Tom O'Brien, champion Irish jockey, dies of cancer aged 39
Irish jockey Tom O'Brien, 39, died of cancer after retiring from racing in 2023. He won over 1,000 races.
O'Brien, nephew of trainer Aidan O'Brien and cousin of Melbourne Cup winner Joseph, retired from racing to join the British Horseracing Authority. Tom O'Brien was diagnosed soon after his retirement.
The Irish jockey won the Cheltenham Festival twice and captured the Welsh Grand National in two separate races. Tom O'Brien's 2009 Grand National victory aboard Dream Alliance was filmed and released in 2020, starring Australian actor Toni Collette.
He leaves behind his wife Hayley and two young sons. The BHA and racing community across Britain and Ireland are mourning his loss.
His former trainer Phillip Hobbs said O'Brien was talented and made an immediate impression during his career.
- 39 years old
- Age at death
- More than 1,000
- Winners ridden
- Two
- Cheltenham Festival wins
- 2020
- Dream Alliance film released
Why it mattersThe death of a respected jockey in his prime underscores racing's loss of a dedicated colleague known for both his riding skill and his character.
AustraliaAustralian racing circles mourn a rider tied to local success; his family connection to Joseph O'Brien and the Dream Alliance film with Toni Collette link him to Australian audiences.
Corroborated by7NEWS
