Renowned jockey Rachael Blackmore has been granted an honorary MBE in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the sport in Britain. Blackmore’s remarkable achievements in recent years have shattered records and solidified her status as a trailblazer in horse racing.
Honorary MBEs are awarded to individuals from overseas who have excelled in their field in Britain. Joining the ranks of esteemed racing figures, the 33-year-old rider from Tipperary has left an indelible mark on the sport.
Blackmore has overcome many barriers, etching her name in history with an impressive list of triumphs. Her groundbreaking accomplishments have propelled her to become not only a prominent figure in racing but also a recognizable face in the broader world of sports.
Rachael Blackmore has been made an honorary MBE for services to sport https://t.co/3f7rzerdNh
— Irish Independent (@Independent_ie) June 28, 2023
Her victories led Blackmore to receive the BBC Sports Personality’s World Sport Star of the Year award in 2021, placing her in esteemed company alongside global sporting icons like Lionel Messi, Roger Federer, Tiger Woods, Usain Bolt, and Muhammad Ali.
Blackmore also became the first female jockey to claim victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last year. Riding A Plus Tard, trained by Henry de Bromhead, she triumphed in the revered race, solidifying her status as one of racing’s greats.
So you’re saying there’s still a chance for the esteemed trainer? https://t.co/fwet3H7cjr
— Fergal O'Brien Racing (@FOBRacing) June 30, 2023
While Blackmore is widely recognized for her remarkable partnership with the exceptional mare Honeysuckle, their crowning moment came at the Cheltenham Festival in March, providing an unforgettable chapter in the event’s history.
Described by De Bromhead as “a match made in heaven”, Blackmore steered Honeysuckle to success in the Mares’ Hurdle before jubilant scenes erupted around the winner’s enclosure.