Rachael Blackmore added two more awards to her 2021 haul this weekend, being named RTÉ Sport Sportsperson of the Year on Saturday evening and following up on Sunday when named BBC's World Sport Star of the Year.

The National Hunt jockey twice made history this year.

Firstly, with a stunning week at the Cheltenham Festival, where she was the first ever female to be crowned ‘Leading Jockey’, with six wins, including in the Champion Hurdle with Honeysuckle. She then followed that up at Aintree, as she became the first female jockey to win the Randox Grand National with Minella Times.

She is the third jockey to take the RTÉ Sportsperson of the Year Award following AP McCoy in 2013 and Barry Geraghty in 2003. Blackmore won the BBC award in a public vote, defeating sporting legends such as American football star Tom Brady, tennis icon Novak Djokovic and Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen.

Blackmore had flown over from Ireland to attend the BBC ceremony in person but was delayed at Manchester Airport. She told Gabby Logan and Clare Balding in the studio: “I made it as far as Manchester Airport!”

Of her achievements in the saddle, Blackmore said: “I never even dreamt they could happen to be honest. It’s far surpassed anything I could have ever imagined. It’s just been an incredible year.

“The reaction has been brilliant, obviously for me personally they are such massive things to achieve but I think when you can bring a bit of joy to other people that makes it even more special.

“The reaction from everyone at home has been incredible and I feel very privileged to have had the year I’ve add.”

She added: “The Grand National was incredible, I felt I was exactly where I wanted to be (in the race). I visualised how I’d like things to work out and they seemed to just happen. You need a lot of things to fall into place for that to happen. It was just incredible.”

After being announced as the winner, she said: “The support has been incredible and I got such a kick out of being on that list of nominees. It’s kind of overwhelming. It’s unbelievable.”

Here are a selection of photos to remember this wonderful season.

After the Baroneracing.com Hatton's Grace Hurdle (Grade 1) -Rachael and Honeysuckle - Healy

On stage at the RTE Sportsperson of the Year Awards

Over the last in the Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) Honeysuckle and Rachael Blackmore lands over the final hurdle to win for owner Kenny Alexander and trainer Henry de Bromhead \ Healy

Clear at the line in the Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) are Rachael Blackmore and Honeysuckle \ Healy

After partnering Bob Olinger to win the Ballymore Novices Hurdle for owner Robour and trainer Henry de Bromhead \ Healy

Winning the Weatherbys Champion Bumper on Sir Gerhard \ Healy Racing

Over the last after a great round of jumping in the Ryanair Chase on Allaho for owners Cheveley Park Stud and Willie Mullins \ Healy

Celebrating after winning the Ryanair Chase on Allaho during day three of the Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham \ PA Photo. See PA/ David Davies

Winner number five at the Festival as Telmesomethinggirl wins the Mares Novice Hurdle \ Healy

Champion Jockey at the Festival with six winners\ Healy

Sit tight at Thurles in March as Great Khan makes a mistake at the last fence while leading in the Duggan Veterinary Handicap Steeplechase \ .carolinenorris.ie

Minella Times and Rachael Blackmore over the last in the Randox Grand National \Healy

Minella Times and Rachael Blackmore after the Randox Grand National and their historic success \ Healy

Presentation for the Randox Grand National, Rachael and trainer Henry de Bromhead after Minella Times' win \ Healy

Ringo Starr was among many famous stars to pay tribute after the Grand National

Honeysuckle and Rachael crown a great season as they jump the last to win the Grade 1 Paddy Power Champion Hurdle at Punchestown in May \ Healy

On The Late Late Show in April

Zoffanien is cheered on by local children out in support, from left, Will, age 4, and Annabelle Burke, age 5, and sisters Lauren, age 9, Chloe, age 10 and Emma Stagg, age 11, from Hollymount, Co Mayo, as they go round the final bend on their way to winning at Ballinrobe in April \ David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Receiving her McCoy 2021 Award in Britain in October

After most of the summer off injured, Rachael completed a four timer on the day winning the Mongey Communications Beginners Steeplechase on Mr Incredible at Naas in early November \ Healy Racing

The crowds were back at Fairyhouse for the Baroneracing.com Hatton's Grace Hurdle (Grade 1) to welcome Rachael and Honeysuckle to the winner's enclosure after their third Hatton's Grace in a row

In action on January 2nd winning on Gentlemansgame in Cork \ Healy Racing.

Jumping style - Epson Du Houx jumping the last fence to win the Eastcoast Seafood and Gouldings Hardware Handicap Chase in January \ carolinenorris.ie