Rachael’s a Starr for Ringo
Beatles legend reaches out to Grand National hero Blackmore
RACHAEL Blackmore was left in awe after Beatles legend Ringo Starr sent her a message following her Grand National victory.
The 31-year-old became the first woman in history to win the race when she saw off her rivals aboard Minella Times last Saturday.
The Tipperary jockey said she is still struggling to comprehend the magnitude of her achievement.
Among those who have congratulated Blackmore are tennis great Billie Jean King and The Beatles drummer.
She said: “It’s phenomenal. I don’t think you get much more famous than Ringo Starr and Billie Jean King.
“It is incredible when those people are reaching out to wish you well and congratulate you on your achievements.
“We used to go on camping holidays to France when we were younger, and The Beatles would be on the CD player in the car. I grew up listening to them, so it’s hard to believe when you’ve got people like that sending you well wishes.
“I’ve received wellwishes from everywhere, and people are just so kind. I feel extremely lucky to be in the position I’m in.”
Just last month Blackmore became the first woman to ride the winner of the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, aboard the brilliant mare Honeysuckle, and her six winners at the Festival saw her crowned leading jockey.
She said: “The last four weeks have been brilliant, but you can never accomplish everything you want to accomplish in racing.
“It’s a constant, evolving wheel where you’re definitely enjoying what’s happening, but you’re also getting focused on what’s coming up.”