Four horses who are synonymous with Rachael Blackmore

Rachael Blackmore has announced her immediate retirement from the saddle, bringing to a close a glittering career that has reshaped the landscape of National Hunt racing.

The first woman to ride a Grand National winner and the first to claim the Cheltenham Festival Gold Cup, Blackmore has transcended the sport with her composure, tactical brilliance, and historic achievements.

Now, as she has stepped inside the parade ring for the final time as a rider, it’s only fitting to remember the horses that helped define her legacy.

From Cheltenham champions to Aintree legends, Blackmore’s bond with some of jump racing’s most celebrated names will never be forgotten.

And as punters begin to reassess the horse racing odds in a post-Blackmore era, here are four horses forever linked with one of the sport’s greats.

Honeysuckle

No horse defined Rachael Blackmore’s career more than the peerless Honeysuckle. Trained by Henry de Bromhead, the mare became an icon in her own right, winning four Cheltenham Festival Grade 1s: the Mares’ Hurdle in 2020 and 2023, and the Champion Hurdle in 2021 and 2022.

Their unbeaten run of 16 races included dominant performances against the best hurdlers in training, and the horse’s emotional farewell victory with Blackmore in the saddle in the 2023 Mares’ Hurdle was one of the defining moments of recent Festival history.

A Plus Tard

Blackmore and A Plus Tard produced one of the most emphatic Gold Cup victories of modern times. After finishing second in 2021, the pair returned to Cheltenham in 2022 and blew the field away, surging clear by 15 lengths to give Blackmore a historic first Gold Cup win.

The performance was a masterclass in judgement and patience—qualities that defined her riding style. Under her guidance, A Plus Tard became one of the most formidable staying chasers in training, and their triumph remains a career highlight.

Minella Times

A horse that will forever be etched in racing folklore, Minella Times made Rachael Blackmore the first female jockey to win the Grand National in 2021.

While the renewal was held behind closed doors due to the pandemic, it was still in front of a global audience, and Blackmore delivered a near-flawless ride over Aintree’s marathon trip and iconic fences, guiding the JP McManus-owned gelding to a famous victory.

The image of her crossing the line in the green and gold silks is now part of racing history. That victory wasn’t just a personal milestone—it was a moment that redefined what was possible in the sport.

Bob Olinger

A horse of supreme talent and versatility, Bob Olinger delivered three Cheltenham Festival Grade 1 wins under Blackmore, showcasing their sustained success over multiple seasons.

He powered to victory in the 2021 Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle, followed up with a controversial but still dominant success in the 2022 Turners’ Novices’ Chase, and added the 2025 Stayers’ Hurdle to his glittering CV.

Through the highs and the occasional setbacks, Blackmore remained loyal to Bob Olinger, and their shared resilience made his final Festival win at the ripe age of 11 all the more special.