RACHAEL Blackmore’s successes at Cheltenham and Aintree will open doors for other female jockeys who aspire to make a career out of riding over jumps or on the flat. That view is shared by four female licence holders who spoke to The Irish Field this week.

Áine O’Connor is not only one of Ireland’s leading amateur riders, she is also a recruitment officer for the Racing Academy and Centre of Education. “I definitely think Rachael’s success will encourage more girls into taking out a licence,” she said.

“Rachael is an incredible talent but she’s relatable and isn’t an overnight success. She epitomises hard work and patience in a game that requires both to a high level.

“What she achieved in Cheltenham and Aintree were incredible and I’ve no doubt her achievements there will spark many fires in young people around the world, not only girls, to get into racing.

“Since taking up my role in RACE two years ago I have worked with boys and girls from the ages of 10 to 16 on our Junior Academy days and age 16-plus on our Trainee Jockey course. I often ask them who their favourite jockey is and the most common answer has been Rachael. Her influence on young people started well before Cheltenham or Aintree this year. It’s been happening for a few years now.”

O’Connor reports that there is an even split between boys and girls among the 30 trainee jockeys currently studying at RACE. In 2018 there were 17 females and 13 males.

Siobhán Rutledge graduated from RACE in 2015 and has ridden 18 winners on the flat to-date. Reacting to Rachael Blackmore’s recent high-profile wins, Rutledge said: “I think it will change the mindset of some people, but ultimately you have to be talented and hard-working to succeed in racing.

“Rachael has been very influential within racing too. I have shared a changing room with her on a few occaisons and she is very helpful.”

Rutledge believes it is easier to make a breakthrough on the flat than over jumps. “If you are 7st 7lb and can claim 10lb off 8st 4lb, then you immediately have an advantage over a lot of people. It’s easier to get going.”

Amateur rider Jody Townend has ridden 16 winners on the track and four in point-to-points. She is not ruling out turning professional one day. “It’s a tough sport. You need to be able to take the falls. Rachael is a bit of an exception but it’s something I might consider in the future.

“Rachael’s success has been seen in every corner of the world. It’s bound to have sown a seed in the minds of a lot of young girls who are riding ponies. She has shown what can be done and we will see the fruits of that in years to come.”

Emma Twomey graduated from RACE alongside Rutledge and is one of the few female conditional jump jockeys in Ireland. Based in Henry de Bromhead’s yard, she works alongside Rachael Blackmore most days.

She said: “Rachael has definitely helped me with advice. She is a phenomenal sportsperson and worker. I think you will see a lot more girls taking out licences in years to come because of her. To make it over jumps requires a bit of grit and it probably helps to be a bit older and more mature.”