Wexford-born jockey Tom O’Brien, who enjoyed a distinguished career in horse racing and recorded more than 1,000 winners during his time in the saddle, has died at the age of 39 following a battle with cancer….
O’Brien, a nephew of renowned Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien, established himself as one of the leading National Hunt jockeys in Britain, enjoying success at the highest level of the sport over a career spanning almost two decades.
Originally from County Wexford, he began his racing career in Ireland before moving to England in 2004 to join trainer Philip Hobbs at his stable in Minehead, Somerset. He remained with Hobbs throughout his professional career, which came to an end in April 2023 when he announced his retirement.
Among the highlights of O’Brien’s career were two victories at the Cheltenham Festival. He first tasted success in 2009 when partnering Silk Affair to victory in the Fred Winter Juvenile Novices’ Handicap Hurdle, before returning to the famous winner’s enclosure in 2022 aboard Third Wind in the Pertemps Final.
He also enjoyed considerable success in the Welsh Grand National, winning the prestigious race twice. His first victory came in 2009 aboard Dream Alliance, while he returned to the winner’s enclosure in 2018 with Elegant Escape. O’Brien also formed a successful partnership with Thyme Hill, winning the Grade One Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree in 2021 and the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase in 2022.
The Wexford-born jockey reached the milestone of 1,000 career winners in August 2021 and finished his career with more than 1,076 victories.
The British Horseracing Authority’s (BHA) Chief Executive, Brant Dunshea, paid tribute to O’Brien, highlighting the respect and affection he commanded throughout the racing community.
“Tom was held in the highest esteem and meant so much to so many people across our sport, who benefitted from his kindness and loyal friendship.
“He touched countless lives on both sides of the Irish Sea, bringing joy to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him and watching what he did best, on and off the racecourse.
“He will be hugely missed and his loss is immensely difficult to process. The racing family is distraught, but I know how we will all rally round to provide each other with support, comfort and to remember Tom as we knew him best: a brilliant jockey, a valued colleague, a loyal friend and above all a loving husband and devoted father.”
His death is a huge loss to the racing community in Ireland and Britain, and particularly to those in Wexford who will remember a local man who went on to achieve success on some of the biggest stages in horse racing.
Wexford Weekly
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