RACHAEL BLACKMORE has written her first book – one she hops will be “enjoyed by children and Grannys from all over!”
The superstar Irish jockey announced the exciting news on Instagram, revealing that she had authored a children‘s book.
Instagram/blackmorerachaelRachael Blackmore has co-authored her first children’s book[/caption]
Rhasidat Adeleke was among those to congratulate the jockeyDavid Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Entitled ‘Granny National’ the Tipperary-native, who became the first female winner of the UK Grand National in 2021, said it “is a story about a Granny, her dream of being a jockey and the four frinds who hatch a plan to try make it happen.”
Blackmore beamed: “After 3 years it’s finally finished” before revealing it is available to pre-order and will be in shops in May.
The congratulations swiftly followed, with Rhasidat Adeleke saying: “Love this!!” and fashion designed Aoife McNamara commenting: “Amazing Rachel!!!”
RTE’s Doireann Garrihy said: “Congrats Rachael!” and Kerry radio presenter Ian O’Connell commented: “Legend”
Blackmore, 35, will switch her attention back to the saddle next week when the Cheltenham Festival gets up and running.
Last year’s Festival proved to be another prolific one, winning the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase and the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
It added to an illustrious CV that also includes a Champion Bumper, two Champion Hurdles, two Ryanair Chases, and the Gold Cup.
She got her first win over 2025 on board in the Leopardstown Members Maiden Hurdle on board Koktail Divin last weekend.
And she will be looking to maintain that momentum after 2024 ended on a sour note through injury.
However, fresh on the minds of all will be the memory of Michael O’Sullivan.
The 24-year-old tragically died on February 16 after suffering a horrific fall at Thurles ten days earlier.
His biggest win in the saddle was his 2023 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle victory aboard Marine Nationale.
And for this year the traditional curtain-raiser will be known as The Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
The O’Sullivan family said: “We are deeply proud of Michael’s incredible talent and the legacy he left in the world of racing.
“Renaming the race that marked the pinnacle of his career is a fitting tribute to his skill, dedication, and passion for the sport.
“As a family, we have always admired Michael’s achievements both on and off the track, and it means so much to us to see his talent recognised in this way.
“The outpouring of tributes over the past week has been a testament to the impact he had on so many lives.
“We would like to sincerely thank The Jockey Club and Sky Bet for giving us this opportunity to honour Michael’s memory and celebrate his remarkable career.”
Blackmore was among the litany of horse-racing personalities to pay tribute to the Corkman.
She told Betfair: “There is an unshakeable sadness over racing at the moment. What we think will never happen… happened.
“The weigh room I know is different now. Michael will never be forgotten. All our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
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