Rachael Blackmore, the pioneering jockey who made history as the first woman to win the Grand National in 2021, is betting that younger members of the British royals will soon follow in her footsteps.
The Irish cyclist, who shocked the racing world with her retirement last year, predicts that Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are destined to develop a love for the track as they grow up.
“I have a feeling that when they get to be a teenager they will want to go,” Blackmore said.
“Cheltenham is one of the best sporting occasions in Britain. I guarantee you they will compete in some form.”
Blackmore, who now serves as Ladies Day Director at the Cheltenham Festival, will join none other than Zara Tindall, the racecourse’s accomplished cyclist and non-executive director.
He praised Zara as “very funny, really nice and obviously an extremely successful cyclist.”
The jockey has long enjoyed royal attention. She remembers Camilla visiting her County Waterford yard to meet her and her star horse, Honeysuckle.
“She is passionate about horses,” Blackmore said. “It was great to see their admiration for Honeysuckle and all of their accomplishments.”
The real experiences don’t end there. She also got a front row seat for Wimbledon in 2023, sitting in the Royal Box behind Prince William and Princess Kate.
“She knew who I was and congratulated me on my success. She is a beautiful person inside and out,” Blackmore said.
Zara Tindall, who recently launched a dazzling luxury jewelery line with Australian designer John Calleija, congratulated Blackmore after her New Year’s Day win at Cheltenham in 2024.
