Blackmore crowned RTE Sportsperson of the Year Rachael Blackmore landed the prestigious RTE Sportsperson of the Year award yesterday evening after a sensational year in the saddle. In March, she became the first female jockey to be crowned leading rider at the Cheltenham Festival with six victories, including the Champion Hurdle on unbeaten Honeysuckle. The following month she became the first woman to ride the winner of the Grand National at Aintree when victorious aboard Henry de Bromhead's Minella Times. The other nominees for the award were Paralympic gold medallist Ellen Keane, Olympic gold medallist Kellie Harrington, Limerick hurler Cian Lynch, Solheim Cup golfer Leona Maguire, Paralympic gold medallist Jason Smyth, boxer Katie Taylor the 2020 award winner, and Meath star Vikki Wall. Blackmore became the first jockey to win the award since Sir Tony McCoy in 2013. She said: Look it's incredible the list of names of people who have won this award in the past and to be even on the list. "You'd be blown away by the year of sport that was and to be recognised like this is just phenomenal. "It has been an incredible year for women in sport and I'm a bit overwhelmed. To be picking up awards like this is just incredible." The Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu was named Young Sportsperson of the Year.
