Multiple Grade One-winning jockey Tom O’Brien has died at the age of 39.
O’Brien, who retired from the saddle in April 2023, rose to prominence with trainers Peter Bowen and Philip Hobbs and enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2006/07 with over 100 winners in that campaign.
The first of five Grade One successes came aboard Souffleur for Bowen in the 2007 Challow Novices’ Hurdle, while later in his career O’Brien would strike up a memorable partnership with Hobbs’ fan favourite Thyme Hill, landing the 2021 Liverpool Hurdle and 2022 Kauto Star Novices’ Chase.
O’Brien also rode Dream Alliance to his against-all-odds victory in the 2009 Welsh Grand National, a story which would inspire a Hollywood film called Dream Horse.
Reflecting on O’Brien’s life, Philip Hobbs said: “He came to our yard from Ireland having not ridden in a race, but it soon became obvious he was pretty talented and he was with us from the start of his career until the end.
“He was in the shadow of Richard Johnson for a long time being second jockey and then became first jockey after Richard retired, which went well. His biggest win was Thyme Hill in the Grade One at Aintree and he was always very reliable and a very good bloke.
“There’s lots of good memories and there were lots of winners and I’d kept in touch with Tom since his retirement as he only lived half an hour away – he was only in our yard about three weeks ago.
“It’s very sad, particularly for his wife Hayley and two young children.”
Speaking on the Nick Luck Daily Podcast, Johnson White – now co-trainer with Philip Hobbs, said: “You couldn’t get a harder working, nicer family man. I messaged Richard Johnson this morning and he sent a message back saying ‘life is so cruel’ and realistically you can’t say any more than that. He leaves a lovely wife Hayley, two wonderful boys and a loving family that were there with him until the end.”
Writing on Instagram, weighing room colleague Harry Cobden posted: “Gutted to hear the news about Tom. He was a great friend and a brilliant jockey. He will be hugely missed by everyone who knew him. Thoughts are with Hayley, Archie and Toby, and all his family and friends.”
British Horseracing Authority (BHA) Chief Executive Brant Dunshea paid tribute, saying: “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.”
Trainer Christian Williams posted on X: “Kind, talented, humble and a true gentleman. Tom was a joy to be around and a privilege to have in the saddle. A friend to so many and of course, always smiling. Our thoughts and prayers are with Hayley, Archie, Toby, their families and many, many friends.”
Writing on X, Sky Sports Racing broadcaster Mike Cattermole said: “Really saddened to hear about the passing of Tom O’Brien at 39. Obviously an excellent jockey but just a lovely guy, so gentle and humble. Thinking about all those who were close to him. Life is such a lottery.”