Rachael: Idea to quit came at Cheltenham

RECORD-breaking jockey Rachael Blackmore has broken her silence on her shock retirement from horse racing — admitting she first thought about quitting at Cheltenham in March.

- Brian FLANAGAN

The 35-year-old Tipperary woman stunned the sport last week when announcing she was ending her trailblazing career in the saddle in a lengthy statement on social media.

Blackmore became one of only four jockeys ever to win all four Championship races at Cheltenham and the Grand National in March — completing the unique set by winning the Stayers’ Hurdle on Bob Olinger.

Thought

"When I was leaving the weighing-room at Cheltenham on Friday this year, for the first time I just had a little thought in my head: 'Will I be back here next season?'

"It was the first time that thought had ever crept into my head. I didn't know. Part of me thought I would be back, part of me thought I wouldn't.