'It's Beyonce, it's Madonna, it's Rachael!' - racing salutes riding legend Blackmore at HRI awards in Dublin

Nothing quite denotes legendary status better than being known globally by just one name.

"It's Beyonce, it's Madonna, it's Rachael," is how Jane Mangan summed up the worldwide renown attached to Rachael Blackmore after the most successful female jockey in history earned a standing ovation at the Mansion House in Dublin when she was honoured with the contribution to the industry award at Horse Racing Ireland's annual ceremony on Monday night.

Henry de Bromhead, Katie Walsh and Shark Hanlon extolled her many virtues in emotional tributes, while Sonia O'Sullivan, Derval O'Rourke, Ellen Keane, Sharlene Mawdsley and Kellie Harrington were some of the Irish female sporting icons who expressed admiration for a trailblazing career littered with firsts.

Blackmore did her best to shuttle off unnoticed by issuing a sudden retirement tweet in May, but it would have been remiss of the industry to which she gave so much to allow her to go so quietly.

"I was in a very privileged position to ride the horses I did," said Blackmore in a typically earnest attempt to deflect the adulation when presented with her award by HRI chief executive Suzanne Eade. "Sonia O'Sullivan was one of the first sporting icons I looked up to and the fact she's here is amazing. This is a phenomenal thing to be recognised for."

Willie Mullins has long been running out of new ground to break but Ethical Diamond, who shared the horse of the year award with stablemate Galopin Des Champs, capturing the Breeders' Cup Turf will forever endure among his most distinguished training feats.

The reigning British and Irish champion trainer also collected the National Hunt award. Another of the sport's totemic figures was given the task of summing up the master of Closutton.

Willie Mullins and son Patrick with their awardsCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"I'm privileged to be sitting here with him," said Aidan O'Brien. "We're in awe of what he does day in, day out."

In response, Mullins commended O'Brien for being the joint-leading trainer at the Breeders' Cup with 21 wins, adding that Closutton has kickstarted the lengthy process of catching up. It drew considerable laughter, although maybe it was not said entirely in jest.

Ethical Diamond also helped propel Dylan Browne McMonagle to a richly deserved Flat award after he secured his first jockey championship at the age of 22, while Patrick Mullins rounded off a remarkable day for Closutton by landing the National Hunt achievement award in recognition of his Grand National victory on Nick Rockett for his father.

However, it came at a price, as Blackmore and Brian Hayes were keen to chronicle the various shortcomings in the way their housemate performed his domestic duties.

Ireland's premier jumps track Punchestown was deservedly voted racecourse of the year for its continued excellence, while Ger Lyons paid a fitting tribute to a future female star in Nicola Burns, who was presented with the emerging talent award after partnering 19 winners on the Flat in just her second season.

Emerging talent award winner Nicola Burns with her mother Diane and father RobbieCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

There was a popular winner of the Flat achievement award as Joe Murphy got recognition for crowning 50 years of graft when Cercene landed the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot.

In his tribute, jockey Gary Carroll questioned Murphy's sartorial taste, particularly a pair of Dunlop wellies which he suggested would easily cater for both his feet. Murphy left his usual footwear back in Tipperary but delivered a fitting speech on the importance of the industry to every parish in the country.

"It shows that everyone who has a horse has a chance of playing on the big stage," he said of his famous victory. "The Irish are renowned for horses in history. The conversations in every parish are about horses, hurling, GAA or greyhounds. That’s the great thing about racing, it’s the story of people and horses together."

Davy Russell then paid tribute to point-to-point award winner Sam Curling, who landed his second Cheltenham Festival success with Wonderwall last season, while the public voted Alan O'Sullivan's expert steer on Filey Bay in the Connacht Hotel Handicap at the Galway festival as the ride of the year.

O'Sullivan's late brother Michael, Edward O'Grady, Kevin Prendergast and Tommie Jakes were some of the departed who were recognised on a montage. Recalling what our remarkable trainers, jockeys, owners and stable staff have won is only right, but it's also fitting to remember those the industry lost in 2025. More than its fair share.

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