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Rachael Blackmore’s Cheltenham Festival Ban: What It Means for the Grand National
Rachael Blackmore, one of the most celebrated jockeys in modern National Hunt racing, has found herself in the spotlight following the 2025 Cheltenham Festival—not just for her successes on the track but also for a suspension that will see her sidelined for several days. The Irish jockey was handed a six-day ban for exceeding the permitted use of the whip, an offence that was compounded by occurring in a Class 1 race. The breach means that Blackmore will be suspended from 28th March to 2nd April, but crucially, she will still be eligible to ride in the 2025 Grand National on 5th April.
A Strong Cheltenham Festival Performance
Despite the controversy surrounding her ban, Blackmore enjoyed a successful 2025 Cheltenham Festival, further cementing her reputation as one of the sport’s elite riders. She claimed victory in two prestigious races:
- Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle – Blackmore guided Air Of Entitlement to victory at 16/1, demonstrating her tactical brilliance and ability to get the best out of an outsider.
- Stayers’ Hurdle – She delivered a top-class ride aboard Bob Olinger, a popular horse with racing fans, to take home another high-profile win.
Her victories at Cheltenham reaffirmed her exceptional talent, but the whip rule breach overshadowed some of the celebrations.
The Whip Rule Breach and Ban Details
Blackmore’s ban was imposed after she used the whip more than the maximum of seven times in a race at the Festival. The rule, introduced to protect horse welfare and ensure fairness, is strictly enforced by racing authorities. Her offence was deemed more serious because it occurred in a Class 1 race, leading to her suspension being doubled.
The six-day ban means that Blackmore will be unable to ride between 28th March and 2nd April. However, with the Grand National scheduled for 5th April, she will be free to take part in the world’s most famous steeplechase.
Will Blackmore Ride in the 2025 Grand National?
Yes, Blackmore will be available to ride in the Grand National, as her ban ends three days before the race. This means she will not miss out on the chance to add another Grand National victory to her illustrious career.
Blackmore made history in 2021 when she became the first female jockey to win the Grand National, partnering Minella Times to a famous victory. Since then, she has remained one of the most sought-after jockeys for big races, and it is highly likely that she will have a strong ride at Aintree once again.
The Impact of the Ban
While the suspension will temporarily keep her out of action, it is unlikely to have a major long-term impact on Blackmore’s career. She remains one of the top jockeys in the sport, and given her success at Cheltenham, trainers and owners will continue to have confidence in her abilities.
The Grand National is always a fiercely contested race, and Blackmore will be aiming to put the controversy behind her and focus on the challenge ahead. Given her proven record at Aintree, she is sure to be one of the leading contenders on the day, whichever horse she rides.
Looking Ahead
With her Cheltenham Festival ban now confirmed, all eyes will be on Blackmore’s return to action just in time for the Grand National. Fans and punters alike will be eager to see if she can produce another memorable performance at Aintree. If her form at Cheltenham is anything to go by, she could well be set for another big-race success in the world’s most famous steeplechase.
