Former jockey Rachael Blackmore marries Brian Hayes in private West Cork ceremony

Brian Hayes confirmed the news in a video interview this week

Rachael Blackmore at the irish premiere of the film Hamnet at the Light House Cinema. Picture: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie.

Jockey Rachael Blackmore has tied the knot with her partner and fellow jockey Brian Hayes.

Hayes confirmed that the pair got married in private in Rosscarbery, West Cork, at the beginning of the month.

In a recent post-race interview with RacingTV, he said: “I got married 10 days ago now, I suppose.

“Myself and Rachael got married, so yeah, off the market. [It was] a lovely day. 

"We got married on the Friday down home in Rosscarbery, in my home place, went up there to Cavan then on the Monday and had a big party up there with all our friends and family and it was nice. Just nice to get married finally.” 

He revealed that they had not yet taken time off for a honeymoon, as he was racing at Fairyhouse just after the wedding, but that they intend to travel in the summer.

“We might go somewhere in June, there. We have a month off in June.” 

He said the wedding was “great fun” and that everyone behaved themselves.

 Pictured is Suzanne Eade, HRI CEO and Rachael Blackmore who won the Contribution to the Industry Award at the Horse Racing Ireland Awards back in December. Photo Chris Bellew / Fennells

A legend of national hunt racing, Blackmore made history during her career as the first female jockey to win the Grand National and the Gold Cup.

The Tipperary trailblazer retired last year, but still inspires people far beyond racing.

Back in November, Blackmore joined Patrick Kielty on the Late Late Show, along with Croía Shine, a service user of the Jack de Bromhead Equine Centre at ChildVision, and her mother, Cara, to launch the Toy Show Appeal.