Rachael Blackmore’s Husband: Inside Her Life With Brian Hayes

A Personal Chapter Behind a Historic Career

Few names in modern horse racing carry the weight and influence of Rachael Blackmore. Known for rewriting the sport’s history books, she has become one of the most recognizable figures in National Hunt racing. Yet alongside her professional achievements, a quieter story has recently come into focus—her personal life, particularly her marriage to fellow jockey Brian Hayes.

The interest around “Rachael Blackmore husband” has grown significantly in 2026, not only because of her iconic career but also due to major life milestones unfolding simultaneously: retirement, marriage, and the anticipation of her first child.

This article examines that relationship in context—how two professional jockeys built a life together while navigating one of the most demanding sports in the world.

Who Is Brian Hayes?

A Fellow Jockey in the Same Competitive Arena

Brian Hayes is an Irish National Hunt jockey who has built a respected career in horse racing. Unlike Blackmore, whose achievements have reached global prominence, Hayes has maintained a lower public profile, but his professional credentials remain strong.

He has competed at high levels of racing, including participation in the Grand National, where he has demonstrated consistency and resilience. In one notable performance, he finished third in a previous edition of the race and continues to ride competitively, including taking mounts such as Spanish Harlem in recent races.

Their shared profession is a defining aspect of their relationship. Both understand the risks, discipline, and lifestyle that come with elite-level racing—an uncommon dynamic even among sports couples.

A Long-Term Relationship That Led to Marriage

From Partnership to Marriage in 2026

Rachael Blackmore and Brian Hayes were in a long-term relationship before officially marrying in January 2026.

Their wedding was described as intimate, reflecting their relatively private approach to personal life despite public careers.

Interestingly, Blackmore herself has spoken candidly about how she ranks life milestones. In a widely discussed comment, she stated:

“Getting married is solid bottom of the list… Getting married is brilliant but nothing can compare to winning.”

While the remark was made humorously—and with clear awareness of how her husband might react—it underscores how deeply her identity has been shaped by competitive achievement. It also reflects a relationship grounded in mutual understanding of sporting priorities.

A Shared Life Around the Grand National

Two Roles, One Iconic Race

The couple’s connection to the Grand National provides a unique lens into their relationship.

In 2021, Rachael Blackmore made global history by becoming the first woman to win the race, riding Minella Times.
This victory reached an estimated global TV audience of 600 million across 170 countries, highlighting its significance beyond the sport itself.

Fast forward to 2026, and their roles around the same race illustrate how their lives continue to intersect professionally:

• Blackmore, now retired, joins the ITV broadcast team as a pundit
• Hayes continues competing as an active rider in the race

This dual presence—one analyzing, the other competing—captures the evolution of their partnership. It also reflects a broader transition in Blackmore’s life from athlete to ambassador and media personality.

Life After Retirement: A New Phase Together

From Racing to Family Life

Rachael Blackmore officially retired from professional racing in May 2025 after an extraordinary career that included:

• 575 career wins
• A Grand National victory
• A Cheltenham Gold Cup win
• Multiple Grade 1 successes

Her retirement marked the end of one chapter, but 2026 quickly became a defining year for different reasons.

Shortly after her marriage, it was confirmed that she is expecting her first child, adding another layer to the couple’s evolving life.

Blackmore herself acknowledged the transition with characteristic understatement, remarking:

“The whole giving birth thing I haven’t given an overly massive thought to yet…”

This shift—from high-performance athlete to family life—places both her and Hayes in a new dynamic. While Hayes continues competing, Blackmore’s focus is increasingly diversified across media, ambassadorial roles, and personal milestones.

A Relationship Built on Shared Understanding

Why Their Partnership Works

Relationships in elite sport often struggle under pressure, particularly when both partners operate in the same high-risk environment. However, several factors appear to underpin the stability of Blackmore and Hayes’ relationship:

1. Shared Professional Insight

Both understand the physical and mental demands of racing, from injury risk to performance pressure.

2. Mutual Respect for Achievement

Blackmore’s historic accomplishments coexist with Hayes’ steady career, without apparent rivalry.

3. Privacy and Low Public Exposure

Unlike many high-profile couples, they have maintained a relatively low-key public presence.

4. Parallel Career Paths

Even as Blackmore transitions out of racing, she remains connected to the sport—allowing continued alignment in lifestyle and interests.

Cultural Impact: More Than a Sporting Couple

Representation and Influence

Rachael Blackmore’s success has already reshaped perceptions of gender roles in horse racing. Her Grand National win was not just a sporting milestone—it was a cultural moment that challenged long-standing barriers.

Her relationship with Brian Hayes adds another dimension to that narrative:

• It normalizes dual-career partnerships in elite sport
• It highlights the collaborative rather than competitive nature of success
• It demonstrates that personal life can evolve alongside historic professional achievement

Blackmore herself has expressed hope that her legacy will inspire more female jockeys, noting that real impact may take time to materialize.

What Comes Next for Blackmore and Hayes?

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, several developments are likely to shape their journey:

• Family expansion: With their first child expected, priorities may shift further toward personal life
• Media and ambassador roles: Blackmore’s visibility in broadcasting and racing promotion is expected to grow
• Continued racing career for Hayes: He remains active and competitive, potentially benefiting from increased public interest

Their story is still evolving, but it reflects a broader transition—from individual sporting excellence to a shared life beyond the racetrack.

Conclusion

The search for “Rachael Blackmore husband” leads to more than just a name. It opens a window into a relationship that exists within one of the most demanding sports environments, shaped by shared ambition, mutual respect, and evolving priorities.

Brian Hayes is not just the husband of a historic figure—he is a professional peer, a partner in a high-performance world, and part of a new chapter in Rachael Blackmore’s life.

As her story moves beyond record-breaking victories and into personal milestones, the partnership between the two offers a grounded, human perspective behind one of horse racing’s most extraordinary careers.