Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand National-winning rider Rachael Blackmore announced her retirement from the saddle this week. The 35-year-old made international headlines in 2021 when she teamed up with the Henry de Bromhead-trained Minella Times to win the world’s greatest steeplechase at Aintree – the first woman to do so in the then 182-year history of the race. In a statement, Blackmore said “My days of being a jockey have come to an end. “I feel the time is right. I’m sad but I’m also incredibly grateful for what my life has been for the past 16 years. I just feel so lucky, to have been legged up on the horses I have, and to have experienced success I never even dreamt could be possible.” With the announcement, we look back on some of the defining moments of her exceptional career in the saddle. READ NEXT: 'Help us find them' - Irish hotel on the hunt for writers of mystery note found inside wall Blackmore celebrates becoming the first female jockey to win the Randox Grand National on Minella Times in 2021
PICTURES: Incredible moments from Rachael Blackmore's exceptional time in the saddle
