'Rachael will have lit a fire in the future generation of female jockeys' - exploring the Blackmore effect

She believes the children are our future – and if Rachael Blackmore is proved right, much of the credit will belong to her.

The most successful female jump jockey of all time turned into fact what most believed was possible only in fiction. She scaled heights others had barely dreamed of reaching. In an astonishing career that this week came to an end, Blackmore became the first woman to ride to victory in the Grand National, Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle and Champion Chase. She established herself as one of the finest riders of her generation, regardless of gender. Blackmore accomplished extraordinary things but what is her legacy?

Blackmore rewrote the record books so radically that it is likely to be a very long time before they need updating. However, while it is conceivable her achievements may not be equalled by another female jockey in our lifetimes, to what extent has she managed to make racing a better sport, one in which other female riders now have a greater chance of fulfilling their potential? An obvious answer to that question came at this year's Cheltenham Festival.