MOST READ 2021: 'Rachael Blackmore scoops two awards to cap a brilliant year'

Lifestyle & Sports
26 Dec 21

To cap off the year, Hot Press are looking back at some of our most read articles of 2021. Superstar jockey Rachael Blackmore was a hit with our readers after being crowned RTÉ Sports Personality Of The Year, BBC World Sports Star of the Year and leading jockey at Cheltenham. Revisit the gripping story below...

Tipperary Jockey and horse racing superstar Rachael Blackmore claimed RTÉ Sports Personality Of The Year before scooping BBC World Sports Star of the Year a day later. 2021 was a highlight reel for the decorated sports star and she also became the first female leading jockey at Cheltenham and ran home a winner at the Grand National — also the first female to do so. One of Ireland’s finest athletes and one of the world’s leading jockeys is set for more success in the coming years.

Originally written by Peter O'Neill.

Rachael Blackmore wins BBC award the day after winning RTÉ Sports Personality of the Year

In a very successful weekend for the Irish horse racing superstar, Rachael Blackmore won the RTÉ Sports Personality of the Year award and received the BBC World Sports Star of the Year the following day.

Beating out competition from household names in sport such as Tom Brady, Novak Djokovic, Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez, Elaine Thompson-Herah and Max Verstappen, Blackmore won the category decided by a public vote.

Although she flew over to England to attend the ceremony in person, delays at Manchester Airport meant she had to accept the award over video link.

"It was just an incredible year, the reaction has been brilliant. When you can bring a bit of joy to more people, that makes more special," she said.

"I feel very, very privileged to have had the year I've had. The support has been in incredible. I got such a kick out of being on the list of nominees. It's kind of overwhelming."

In a massive 2021 for the Tipperary jockey, she became the first woman to be crowned leading jockey at the Cheltenham Festival with six winners, including the Champion Hurdle.

She then further broke gender barriers by also being the first woman to win the Grand National in April.

🗣️ "It far surpassed anything I could have imagined!"

What an incredible year for @RachaelBlackmor!

World Sport Star at BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2021 🏆

📲💻 Watch: https://t.co/rIosTy9Hhb #SPOTY live on @BBCiPlayer and @BBCOne pic.twitter.com/6Y6tzil7wv

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 19, 2021