Retired jockey Rachael Blackmore has revealed she is expecting her first child with husband Brian Hayes, sharing the happy news on social media yesterday.
The 36-year-old posted an image to her Instagram story featuring a baby pram visible in the boot of her car, accompanied by the caption: "Love driving the Volvo XC60 BA. Boot contents looking a little bit different now..."
The announcement arrives just weeks after the couple wed in an intimate ceremony in West Cork on January 5.
Blackmore, who hung up her racing silks last May following a remarkable 16-year career, only shared photographs from her wedding earlier this week.
The Tipperary native made sporting history in 2021 when she became the first woman ever to triumph in the Grand National, riding Minella Times to victory.
She also holds the distinction of being the first female jockey to claim the leading rider title at Cheltenham, and in 2022 became the first woman to secure the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Throughout her professional career, Blackmore accumulated an impressive 575 victories.
Her achievements earned her both RTÉ Sportsperson of the Year and BBC World Sports Star of the Year honours in 2021.
She retired as part of an elite group to have completed Cheltenham's prestigious "grand slam" of major races.
Blackmore and Hayes first crossed paths more than a decade ago at a training yard in Carlow, when both were in the early stages of their careers.
The pair previously shared a home in Leighlinbridge, Carlow, with fellow jockey Patrick Mullins, son of renowned trainer Willie Mullins.
Speaking about their living arrangement in 2021, Blackmore remarked: "It is a great house to live in, and it is in a really good location in Leighlinbridge in Carlow."
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She added that people might be surprised how little they discussed racing at home.
When announcing her retirement last May, Blackmore paid tribute to her partner.
She said: "Brian Hayes won't enjoy getting a mention, but he was more important to my career than I'll ever be able to thank him for."
Hayes, 37, hails from Rosscarbery in Cork and has established himself as a prominent figure in jump racing since turning professional in 2011.
The jockey, who tends to keep his private life out of the spotlight, demonstrated his form remains sharp by riding three winners at Navan just over a week after the wedding.
Speaking about the celebrations, Hayes said: "It was a lovely day. We got married on the Friday down at home in Rosscarbery, in my home place.
"We went up to Cavan then on the Monday and had a big party with all our friends and family.
"It was nice just to get married finally."
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