RE-RIDING HISTORY

Blackmore 'sad but grateful' as she calls time on glittering career. | >> First female jockey to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup and Aintree.

- KEITH FALKINER

CHELTENHAM Gold Cup and Grand National-winning rider Rachael Blackmore has announced her retirement from the saddle.

The 35-year-old Irish superstar 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." Tributes poured in last night following her retirement.

Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon said: "Rachael's legacy wasn't just in race wins, but as a role model for a whole generation of jockeys both female and male.

WINNER

"In a sport where men and women compete on a level playing she excelled and is a fantastic ambassador for the horse racing and breeding industry.