'The kids were in awe of Rachael' - JP McManus recalls how Blackmore set about creating new racing fans

Rachael Blackmore has been praised for her ability, modesty and kindness in a glowing tribute by jumping's leading owner JP McManus, who fondly recalled a particular occasion when his 2021 Grand National-winning jockey displayed her enthusiasm for promoting racing to young children.

McManus was central to one of the defining moments in the sport's history four years ago when Blackmore donned his green and gold silks aboard the Henry de Bromhead-trained Minella Times at Aintree and became the first female jockey to win jump racing's most celebrated event.

That victory, achieved in a Grand National staged behind closed doors due to the Covid pandemic, assured Blackmore of international stardom and provided her with the most notable success of a career she brought to an end on Monday.

Rachael Blackmore wins the Grand National in 2021 on the JP McManus-owned Minella TimesCredit: Edward Whitaker

Blackmore also became the first female jockey to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase and Stayers' Hurdle, while in 2021 she broke new ground when crowned the Cheltenham Festival's leading rider. Her other significant wins for McManus included the Grade 1 Top Novices' Hurdle on Inthepocket in 2023, the same year in which she landed the Red Mills Chase aboard the owner's Janidil.

"Rachael has been an outstanding sportsperson and a gifted jockey," said McManus. "Throughout her career she has shown great determination, belief and talent. In and out of the saddle she has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport. 

"For very good reasons Rachael is highly respected and loved by everyone in racing. Outside of racing she is the most kind, modest and unassuming person you could ever meet. She is also incredibly generous with her time."

JP McManus recalled visiting schools with Rachael Blackmore following their Grand National victoryCredit: Patrick McCann

McManus provided a fine example of that when talking about the trips he and Blackmore made to schools following Minella Times's headline-grabbing Grand National triumph.

"We went to visit some schools after the win," said McManus. "Rachael took her whip to one of the schools. She held out her hand and asked the kids to try to hit her as hard as they could on her palm. By doing that, she showed them the whip didn’t hurt her.

"The kids in the room were in awe of Rachael. You could hear a pin drop in the class. I wonder how many of those children were converted to racing that very same day."

McManus added: "Rachael has had an unbelievable career. I wish her every happiness and good health and thank her for all the wonderful thrills and memories she created for us, including a Grand National in which she created history for herself, the sport, me and my family."

Read more on Rachael Blackmore's retirement:

'I feel so incredibly lucky to have had the career I’ve had' - groundbreaking jockey Rachael Blackmore announces her retirement 

From humble beginnings to Grand National history and household name status: Rachael Blackmore's greatest moments 

The dead-eye of an assassin: Rachael Blackmore's strokes of genius in the saddle that defined an epic career 

Honeysuckle owner: 'Rachael Blackmore is the best thing that has happened to the sport in decades' 

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