Rachael Blackmore to marry jockey Brian Hayes next month after Shark lets slip news

Rachael Blackmore, the Tipperary jockey who retired in May after a record-breaking career, is set to marry her long-term partner and fellow rider Brian Hayes next month.

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The news was inadvertently revealed by her former trainer, John ‘Shark’ Hanlon, during praise for Blackmore at the Horse Racing Ireland Awards, where she received the Contribution to the Industry Award.

Hanlon, who gave Blackmore her first amateur win in 2011, spoke fondly of their early days at his Carlow yard. “We had a lot of good times, a lot of good times. I remember when she started, Brian Hayes was there, who is her partner now, getting married in January,” he said.

He also recalled the couple’s early professional rivalry: “She was creeping into Brian's rides, and they weren’t very happy about it. I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall to see what was said when she'd taken a ride off Brian, but she didn’t mind.”

Blackmore and Hayes spent several years living in Carlow alongside Patrick Mullins, son of legendary trainer Willie Mullins. Hayes, from Rosscarbery in Cork, rides regularly for Mullins and frequently competed against Blackmore on the track.

After her retirement, Blackmore praised his role in her career: “Brian Hayes won’t enjoy getting a mention, but he was more important to my career than I’ll ever be able to thank him for.”

The wedding announcement adds a personal milestone to Blackmore’s extraordinary professional record. She was the first woman to win the Aintree Grand National aboard Minella Times in 2021 and claimed four victories at the Cheltenham Festival with the mare Honeysuckle.

Her achievements were celebrated at the Horse Racing Ireland Awards, where fellow Tipperary athlete Sharlene Mawdsley congratulated her:

“You have created an absolutely amazing pathway for women in sport over the past number of years. I met your parents at an award ceremony last year, and they are so, so proud of you. I hope you're as proud of yourself, because everyone in Tipperary is.”

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