Tipperary’s Rachael Blackmore among the stars honoured at the annual Sportswoman Awards

In what was an amazing year for Irish sport, jockey Rachael Blackmore was among the stars honoured at The Irish Times Sport Ireland Sportswoman Awards which took place in the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin recently.

This was the 20th year of the awards and Blackmore was one of 14 sportswomen who was honoured with a monthly award for her achievements during the year.

Blackmore, whose from Killenaule in Tipperary, received the Sportswoman of the Month Award for March and with it a nomination for the overall title of Sportswoman of the Year, after she won the Champion Chase at Cheltenham.

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Captain Guinness’s victory in that race - it was Blackmore’s 16th festival winner – was hard earned for the 17-2 shot, who had failed to win in 13 previous Grade One attempts. In an event filled race she steered Henry De Bromhead’s horse to victory, staving off a late challenge from Mark Walsh on Gentleman De Mee.

With that win, the 35-year-old became just the eighth jockey to put together the elite trio of Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle and Champion Chase. It goes without saying that Blackmore is the first and only woman on that list.

Sport Ireland CEO, Dr Úna May said 2024 had been a year of fantastic accomplishment for our sportswomen.

“Our female athletes continue to demonstrate that with dedication, ambition, and determination, the extraordinary is possible. The diversity of sports being celebrated at these Awards highlights the incredible breadth of talent right across the nation. To all who stand behind these athletes — coaches, families, volunteers, clubs, and communities — your unwavering support is instrumental in these achievements, and we extend our gratitude to you all.”

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