Rachael Blackmore Takes on New Role as Cheltenham Racecourse Ambassador

Rachael Blackmore, renowned for her groundbreaking achievements in horse racing, has embarked on a new chapter as the Head of Ladies Day at Cheltenham Racecourse. This appointment comes after her retirement from race riding in May 2023, a decision that took the racing world by surprise following a remarkable career that included becoming the first woman to win prestigious events such as the Grand National and the Gold Cup.

Blackmore, originally from Tipperary, stunned fans when she announced her retirement on May 12, 2023. She concluded her racing career after an impressive season, highlighted by her victory in the Stayers’ Hurdle with Bob Olinger at the Cheltenham Festival. Since stepping away from the saddle, she has engaged in public relations and charitable work, but her new role at Cheltenham marks a significant return to the racing community.

New Role Aims to Attract Female Racegoers

The Cheltenham Festival is set to revive its Ladies Day in March 2024, marking the first such event since 2019. Blackmore’s appointment is part of a broader initiative by the Jockey Club to encourage more women to attend racing events. In her new capacity, she will collaborate with the Cheltenham team to identify barriers that may deter women from participating in the sport and work to engage new female audiences.

Blackmore expressed her enthusiasm for the role, stating, “It is going to be a very different experience going racing and not heading for the weighing room, but I’m looking forward to seeing what racedays are like from the other side of the rails.” She emphasized her commitment to understanding the perspectives of racegoers, aiming to uncover the reasons behind their attendance and the factors limiting participation among their peers.

The sport of horse racing offers a unique social experience, and Blackmore is eager to highlight its potential to foster connections among friends and introduce newcomers to the excitement of race days. “Horseracing is an amazing sport, and a day at the races provides so much opportunity for people to socialise with friends and meet new people,” she added.

Addressing Gender Disparities in Racing Attendance

Data from the Jockey Club indicates that women comprise only 25% of visitors at Cheltenham Racecourse during the season, contrasting sharply with the industry average for jump racing, which stands at 39%. Research conducted in 2023 revealed that many women perceive horse racing as a male-dominated sport, which may discourage their attendance.

Guy Lavender, Chief Executive of Cheltenham, highlighted the importance of Blackmore’s role in expanding the female fanbase. “Rachael is a household name whose success and passion for horseracing resonates not only with racing fans but also with the general public,” he stated. Lavender noted that the Jockey Club has been analyzing customer feedback and sees a significant opportunity to attract more women to racing events.

The partnership with Blackmore, who achieved notable victories such as the Cheltenham Gold Cup on A Plus Tard in 2022 and the Grand National aboard Minella Times in 2021, is seen as a strategic move to engage a new audience. Her achievements have garnered global recognition, including the BBC World Sports Star award at the prestigious Sports Personality of the Year Awards in 2021.

As she steps into her new role, Blackmore will experience Cheltenham from a different perspective when she joins the team for The November Meeting on November 14, 2023. Her involvement is anticipated to inspire a fresh wave of interest in the sport, particularly among women, as Cheltenham Racecourse aims to establish an inclusive environment for all racing fans.