Tom O’Brien death, Digi Mart USA News: Multiple Grade One-winning jockey Tom O’Brien has died at the age of 39. O’Brien retired from the saddle in April 2023 after a career that brought him to prominence with trainers Peter Bowen and Philip Hobbs.
O’Brien enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2006/07, when he rode over 100 winners in that campaign. His first of five Grade One successes came aboard Souffleur for Bowen in the 2007 Challow Novices’ Hurdle.
Later in his career, O’Brien formed a memorable partnership with Hobbs’ popular horse Thyme Hill, winning the 2021 Liverpool Hurdle and the 2022 Kauto Star Novices’ Chase. He also rode Dream Alliance to an against-all-odds victory in the 2009 Welsh Grand National, a story that later inspired the Hollywood film Dream Horse.
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.”
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.”
Dunshea added: “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.”
Sky Sports Racing broadcaster Mike Cattermole wrote on X: “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.”
