Another annual Sportswoman award for Tipperary's Rachael Blackmore
Killenaule jockey steered Honeysuckle to victory in the mare’s last race
Tipperary jockey Rachael Blackmore was among those honoured at The Irish Times/Sport Ireland Sportswoman Awards, which took place in the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin.
This is the 20th year of the awards and the Killenaule woman was one of 15 sportswomen who was honoured with a monthly award for her achievements during the year.
There were few more emotional days in the Irish sporting year than Blackmore’s Cheltenham triumph on Honeysuckle in what was the legendary mare’s final race before retirement.
She brilliantly steered the horse to a fairytale ending to its career, and the reception that both she and Honeysuckle received as they headed for the parade ring one that won’t soon be forgotten. Adding to the emotion of the day was what trainer Henry de Bromhead, his wife Heather and their family had endured with the loss of their son Jack the previous September.
Blackmore’s first thoughts were for the 13-year-old after the race.
“We all wish a very special kid could be here today, but he’s watching down on us,” she said.
Due to her racing commitments, Rachael was unable to attend the ceremony and her Sportswoman of the Month award for March was accepted on her behalf by her mother Eimir.
The monthly award winners were
December 2022
Eilish and Roisin Flanagan – Athletics
January 2023
Rhasidat Adeleke – Athletics
February 2023
Orla Prendergast – Cricket
March 2023
Rachael Blackmore - Horse Racing
April 2023
Thammy Nguyen – Weightlifting
May 2023
Lucy Mulhall - Rugby
June 2023
Leona Maguire – Golf
July 2023
Katie McCabe - Soccer
August 2023
Katie-George Dunlevy – Cycling
September 2023
Ciara Mageean – Athletics
Siobhán McCrohan – Rowing
October 2023
Mona McSharry - Swimming
November 2023
Katie Taylor - Boxing