Trailblazing jockey Rachel Blackmore announces retirement

One of the best to ever do it.

In 2021, the Tipperary native was the first female to win the Grand National and the first female to be named leading jockey at the Cheltenham Festival, where she had six victories, including the Champion Hurdle.

The next year she became the first female to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup and added another Champion Hurdle.

In a statement on her social media she 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."