According to Deputy Cahill, Blackmore’s achievements to date deserve to be recognised by Tipperary County Council.

Call for Civic Reception for jockey Rachael Blackmore

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Killenaule native Rachael Blackmore has broken new ground for female jockeys this week after winning the Champion Hurdle, and two other Grade 1 races, the Ryanair and the Ballymore. Blackmore finished second in the highlight of National Hunt calendar – the Cheltenham Gold Cup – and has been confirmed as the leading jockey at the prestigious racing festival.

Blackmore’s achievements to date deserve to be recognised by Tipperary County Council. Deputy Jackie Cahill has written to Joe MacGrath, the Chief Executive of Tipperary County Council and all Fianna Fáil Tipperary County Councillors requesting a Civic Reception to recognise Blackmore’s achievements, when Covid restrictions allow.

Commenting on Rachael Blackmore’s achievements, the Tipperary Fianna Fáil TD said: “Rachael Blackmore is the pride of Tipperary this week. On Tuesday, Rachael was the first female jockey to win a Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham and her success did not stop there after day one. Her achievements will go down in history after five major wins this week, including three Grade Ones, most notably the Champion Hurdle. After a week of history making, Killenaule’s Blackmore is now being spoken of in the same breath as McCoy, Walsh and Geraghty. A week as successful as this has to have Blackmore in contention for Sportsperson of the Year, and it’s only March yet!

“I believe it is only right that Tipperary County Council recognise the achievements of one of our own and honour Rachael Blackmore with a Civic Reception, as soon as Covid restrictions allow for such an event to take place. A Civic Reception is the highest honour a local authority can bestow on an individual for their achievements. As such, I have today written to the Chief Executive of Tipperary County Council, Joe MacGrath and all Fianna Fáil Tipperary County Councillors requesting this honour.

“I would like to congratulate Rachael Blackmore on her victories this week, and thank her for giving so many of us a lift when we badly needed it," Cahill concluded.

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