Rachael Blackmore has become a mum for the first time after welcoming a baby boy with her husband Brian Hayes.
The champion jockey announced the arrival of her son on Wednesday, sharing a black-and-white photo of herself cradling the newborn as he slept peacefully.
The couple, who are known for keeping their relationship private and quietly married earlier this year, did not share extensive details about the birth.
Revealing their son’s name, Blackmore confirmed they have called him Bowie Martin Hayes.
Messages of congratulations quickly poured in, with TV presenter Doireann Garrihy among those sending well-wishes, writing: ‘Massive congratulations, what a beautiful baby.’
Others added: ‘Congratulations, he’s so perfect,’ while another said: ‘I’m so delighted for yous.’
Blackmore and Hayes have largely kept their personal life out of the spotlight, with fans only recently picking up on the pregnancy through subtle social media hints.
In one post earlier this year, Blackmore shared a photo of her car boot showing a pram box, writing: ‘Boot contents looking a little bit different now.’
The couple confirmed they had tied the knot in January during an interview with Hello! magazine, describing a low-key ceremony followed by a family celebration in Cavan.
Reflecting on the day, Blackmore joked: ‘Someone asked me, was I nervous? And I was like, no, I rode Honeysuckle in the Champion Hurdle. This is not nervous!’
Blackmore, who made history as the first female jockey to win the Grand National, announced her retirement from racing in May 2025 after 16 years in the sport.
She said at the time that it felt like the right moment to step away.
Now, she begins a new chapter — motherhood. Congrats Rachael and Brian!
