Rachael Blackmore was a household name in Irish racing - and indeed sport - but 2021 was the year the accomplished rider made the breakthrough as a history maker in her field.
The 32-year-old secured her place in racing folklore when she became the first woman to be crowned leading jockey at the Cheltenham Festival with six winners, which included the Champion Hurdle on Honeysuckle.
That was on the opening day of the festival but her success continued throughout the week.
Bob Olinger, Sir Gerhard, Allaho and Telmesomethinggirl provided doubles on the Wednesday and Thursday before a Triumph Hurdle victory with Quilixios rounded off a memorable week
That was a breakthrough moment and elevation to the top jockey in the UK and Ireland.
However, she took her fame, and achievements, to new heights when becoming the first female to win the Grand National on Minella Times in April, garnering international attention in the following days.
The year did take a sour note after falling during a hurdle race in Killarney.
Blackmore's recovery saw her spend a few weeks confined to a wheelchair and in total she went over three months on the sidelines.
Her determination and drive came to the fore as she returned in fine style with 11 wins from 35 rides in November and the Christmas festival period is sure to bring more success on what has been a special year for the Tipperary woman.
But the defining moment of the 12-month period will undoubtedly be the win on Henry de Bromhead's mount at Aintree, producing a seismic moment for women's sport.
Speaking at the time she said: "I don't feel male or female right now. I don't even feel human.
"This is a massive deal for me personally, not the fact I'm a female. The thing that hit me when I crossed the line was that I’d won the National, not that I’m the first female to win the National. I’m just delighted."
Joanne Cantwell and Darragh Maloney will present the RTÉ Sport Awards 2021 on Saturday 18 December on RTÉ One.
The Sportsperson of the Year is selected by a judging panel. The criteria can be read here.
