Jockey Brian Hayes has enjoyed a January to remember after tying the knot with fellow jockey Rachael Blackmore in a private ceremony.

The Cheltenham-winning jockey got married in his native Rosscarbery on January 5th. The couple, both successful jockeys, have been together for years after meeting at a training yard in Carlow.

Brian Hayes (37) confirmed the wedding news in a recent Racing TV interview, saying: ‘I got married ten days now I suppose. Myself and Rachael got married so off the market. It was a lovely day. We got married on the Friday down at home in Rosscarbery, in my home place. We went up to Cavan then on the Monday and had a big party with all our friends and family. It was nice… it was nice just to get married finally.’

When asked about honeymoon plans, Brian added: ‘I was at Fairyhouse two days later or something racing, but we might go somewhere in June. We have a month off in June so we might do something then.’

Rachael Blackmore (36) is one of the country’s most celebrated jockeys, best known for making history as the first female rider to win the Grand National at Aintree in 2021. She announced her retirement from race riding in 2025. Hayes became a jockey as a teenager, starting with local trainer Thomas O’Leary in Clonakilty. He won the Paul Townend's Gold Cup at Cheltenham in 2023.