When Rachael Blackmore walks into Cheltenham Racecourse this November, she won’t be weighing in for a ride — but stepping into a new chapter that might just reshape how women experience racing. The Grand National and Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning jockey has been appointed Head of Ladies Day at Cheltenham Racecourse, marking a symbolic and strategic move aimed at attracting more women to one of Britain’s most celebrated sporting occasions.
A Champion On and Off the Track
Having retired from race riding in May, Blackmore’s transition into an ambassadorial role feels like a natural extension of her legacy — one built on courage, grace, and groundbreaking achievements. She shattered barriers when she became the first woman to win both the Randox Grand National (2021) aboard Minella Times and the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup (2022) on A Plus Tard.
Now, her focus turns to helping other women see racing as a sport — and a day out — that truly belongs to them.
“I’m looking forward to experiencing racing from the other side of the rails,” said Blackmore. “I want to understand what brings people here and what might be stopping others from coming. Horseracing is such an amazing social experience — it deserves to be enjoyed by everyone.”
Cheltenham’s Drive to Reconnect with Women
Data from The Jockey Club revealed that only around 25% of visitors to Cheltenham Racecourse during the season are women — significantly below the national jump racing average of 39%. Many women surveyed described racing as “not for them,” citing perceptions that it remains a male-oriented environment.
To change that narrative, Cheltenham Racecourse is relaunching Ladies Day at The Festival in March 2026, its first since 2019. The day will celebrate both fashion and competition — featuring the return of the Style Awards, with over £10,000 in prizes, supported by Debenhams, Holland Cooper, BetMGM, and Boodles.
A Vision for Inclusive Racing
Cheltenham’s Chief Executive Guy Lavender hailed Blackmore’s appointment as a defining moment:
“Rachael is more than a racing icon — she’s a role model who resonates with audiences far beyond sport. Her achievements transcended racing, from BBC World Sports Star recognition to inspiring a new generation. We’re thrilled to work with her to help make racing feel welcoming and inclusive.”
As part of her new role, Blackmore will lead a campaign showcasing the Cheltenham Festival as the place “where world-class sport meets top-class style.” The initiative includes a series of public activations in major cities — beginning at Birmingham’s Bull Ring (Jan 31), then Oxford’s Westgate (Feb 7), and Cardiff’s St David’s Centre (Feb 14). Each stop aims to bring the excitement of The Festival to life, complete with racing insights, music, and fashion showcases.
Looking Ahead
Rachael Blackmore’s journey to this new ambassadorial role is rooted in a story of perseverance and quiet determination. Born and raised on a farm in County Tipperary, Ireland, she began as an amateur jockey with little more than self-belief and a dream. Over time, her name became synonymous with breaking boundaries in one of the sport’s toughest arenas.
Her defining moments came in rapid succession — first, the historic Randox Grand National victory in 2021 aboard Minella Times, making her the first woman ever to win the race in its 182-year history. Then, just a year later, she conquered Cheltenham’s biggest stage with A Plus Tard in the 2022 Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, confirming her place among racing’s elite.
Those triumphs resonated far beyond the turf. They earned her accolades such as the BBC World Sports Star of the Year (2021) and the RTÉ Sportsperson of the Year, cementing her reputation as an athlete whose influence reaches beyond sport itself.
Now, in her role as Head of Ladies Day at Cheltenham, Blackmore’s mission goes beyond competition — it’s about connection. She aims to make the racecourse a welcoming space for women of all backgrounds, ensuring they feel not just included, but inspired. Her new chapter represents both a reflection on how far racing has come and a promise of where it can go next.
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