Westgate Oxford is set to welcome one of horse racing’s most celebrated figures this weekend as Irish jockey Rachael Blackmore visits the city centre destination on Saturday 07 February.
Widely regarded as the Queen of Horse Racing, Blackmore has rewritten the history books as the first female jockey to win both the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Randox Grand National. Her trailblazing achievements have made her one of the most recognisable and respected names in the sport.
Her appearance at Westgate Oxford forms part of a three-city UK roadshow taking place in the lead-up to The Cheltenham Festival.
The tour aims to celebrate inclusivity in sport, inspire future generations and give racing fans a first look at what’s new for Ladies Day at The Cheltenham Festival 2026, which returns on Wednesday 11 March.
Committed to encouraging greater female engagement in racing, Blackmore has teamed up with The Jockey Club as Head of Ladies’ Day at Cheltenham Racecourse. The partnership reflects her ongoing mission to inspire new audiences and broaden participation in the sport she credits with shaping her career.
During her visit, Blackmore will be based in Middle Square at Westgate Oxford between 12.00pm and 3.00pm, where she will take part in meet-and-greet sessions and engage with members of the public.
Visitors attending the event will also be able to enjoy complimentary hair and make-up experiences delivered by an expert team from the Debenhams Day Spa, making it an ideal pre-evening-out experience.
Clare Martin, Acting Centre Director at Westgate Oxford, commented:
“Partnering with The Jockey Club to host Rachael Blackmore is a fantastic highlight within our events calendar.
As one of the most respected figures in sport, Rachael’s commitment to engaging the next generation – particularly women – is something we are thrilled to support. We can’t wait to see Westgate abuzz as she meets our guests this Saturday.”
Speaking at the time of her appointment, Blackmore said:
“Horseracing is an amazing sport and a day at the races provides so much opportunity for people to socialise with friends and meet new people.
I’m excited to get involved and see what can be done to engage more women and show them what makes a day at the races such a special and unforgettable experience.”
To celebrate the roadshow, Westgate Oxford PLUS+ members will be able to access exclusive in-person discounts of up to £25 off Cheltenham Festival tickets.
The event will also provide guests with insights into exciting new additions to Ladies Day at The Festival 2026, alongside opportunities to meet Blackmore and enjoy the complimentary beauty experiences.
Rachael Blackmore will be appearing at Westgate Oxford on Saturday 07 February 2026, with the centre open from 9.00am to 6.00pm and her meet-and-greet sessions taking place from 12.00pm to 3.00pm in Middle Square.
