Trailblazing jockey Rachael Blackmore is the new face of FBD Hotels & Resorts
Trailblazing jockey Rachael Blackmore has been unveiled as the new face of FBD Hotels & Resorts, following the announcement of an exclusive two-year brand ambassador partnership. The collaboration was revealed at The Curragh on Saturday. As part of the partnership, Rachael will feature in FBD Hotels & Resorts’ marketing campaigns, content shoots, and will make personal appearances at various events throughout the two-year term.
To mark the occasion, FBD Hotels & Resorts hosted a special lunch for its leadership team, where Rachael was introduced as the special guest. The company also sponsored two key races on the day: the Grand Hotel Juvenile Fillies Race at 2:50 pm and the FBD Hotels & Resorts Phoenix Sprint (Group 3) at 3:25 pm.
Commenting at the event, David Kelly, CEO of FBD Hotels & Resorts, said:
“We are delighted that Rachael has agreed to partner with us. Her incredible, record-breaking achievements will be an inspiration to all our teams across the group. FBD Hotels & Resorts has at its core a deep culture and values, encompassing respect, working as one and taking responsibility, values with Rachael has shown throughout her career. Rachael transcends racing, and is an inspiration to many, young and old.It is fitting that someone of Rachael’s stature in the sport will now represent our brand. We look forward to seeing her as the face of our campaigns and as a special guest at occasions such as these race days and our conferences.”
Rachael Blackmore added:
“I am proud to be joining FBD Hotels & Resorts as a brand ambassador. Their hotels are places I have visited and enjoyed over the years. They’ve always had a strong connection with Irish sport, especially in racing. What stood out to me was their focus on people – the importance they place on looking after their guests and supporting their team. I’m excited to be part of the journey and see what we can build together over the next two years.”
Rachael Blackmore has redefined the boundaries of National Hunt racing, becoming one of the sport’s most iconic figures and one of Ireland’s most admired athletes. In 2021, she made history by becoming the first female jockey to win the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham aboard the legendary Honeysuckle, before going on to claim the Ruby Walsh Trophy as the Festival’s leading jockey with six winners – a groundbreaking first for a woman. Just weeks later, she shattered another barrier, becoming the first female jockey to win the Aintree Grand National, one of the world’s most prestigious and demanding races. Her victory on board Minella Times captivated an audience of over 600 million viewers around the globe.
And that was only the beginning. Rachael’s dominance in the saddle continued as she defended the Champion Hurdle with the unbeaten Honeysuckle and made further history by becoming the first woman to win the infamous Cheltenham Gold Cup aboard A Plus Tard.
She went on to claim every major race at the Cheltenham Festival, alongside a host of other Grade One victories during her career, firmly cementing her place in racing folklore.
Her achievements on the track have been matched by widespread recognition off it. She has been named BBC World Sport Star of the Year, RTÉ Sportsperson of the Year, Irish Times Sportswoman of the Year, Independent Sportsperson of the Year and received Horse Racing Ireland’s Racing Hero Award, among many other accolades.
Rachael’s extraordinary career continues to inspire future generations – not only in racing, but across the wider worlds of sport and leadership. European level to support the self-catering industry.
FBD Hotels & Resorts is a leading Irish and Spanish hotel, resort and property group, owned by Farmer Business Developments Plc. The group’s luxury four-star portfolio includes Faithlegg, Waterford; The Heritage, Laois; Castleknock Hotel, Dublin; Killashee Hotel, Kildare; and the Grand Hotel, Malahide, acquired in early 2025. Internationally, it operates Sunset Beach Club in Benalmádena and La Cala Resort in Mijas on Spain’s Costa del Sol. Employing 2,000 people, FBD Hotels & Resorts manages 1,387 rooms across its properties.
