Gold Cup champion Rachael Blackmore is set to return to Cheltenham this weekend, marking her first appearance since retirement. She begins an ambassadorial role aimed at promoting women’s participation in racing.
New Role as Ambassador for Ladies’ Day
Blackmore has been appointed as head of Ladies’ Day on March 11. This year marks the return of this designation after a five-year hiatus during which it was referred to as “Style Wednesday.” The shift reflects a broader strategy to engage more women in the sport.
Changes to the Cheltenham Festival
- The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle will now take place on day three instead of day one.
- New initiatives include reduced drink prices and improved car parking facilities.
- An attendance cap has also been introduced to enhance the experience for visitors.
Blackmore, who was the leading rider at the festival in 2021 and won on A Plus Tard in 2022, is enthusiastic about her new position. She expressed excitement about experiencing race days from a different perspective. Notably, Blackmore aims to connect with racegoers and understand their motivations for attending.
Addressing Gender Disparity in Racing
Recent data from the Jockey Club indicates that women make up only 25% of attendees at Cheltenham. The average for jump racing stands at 39%. Blackmore hopes to change these statistics. She described horse racing as a fantastic sport that offers significant social opportunities.
Blackmore’s Vision for Future Engagement
The goal is to better engage women in racing and demonstrate the unique experiences offered at race events. Cheltenham CEO Guy Lavender emphasized Blackmore’s influence, calling her a “household name.” He believes her achievements and status make her the ideal ambassador for reaching a new, female-focused audience.
As Rachael Blackmore steps into this new role, her commitment to promoting inclusivity in horse racing is clear. The Cheltenham Festival looks forward to a renewed focus on women’s engagement, supported by the legendary jockey’s valuable insights.
