Tom O’Brien, the jockey who won more than 1,000 races and twice tasted success at the Cheltenham Festival, has died aged 39 after a battle with cancer.
O’Brien’s career included two of the biggest wins of his riding life. He landed the Fred Winter Juvenile Hurdle on Silk Affair in 2009 and then added the Pertemps Network Hurdle Final on Third Wind in 2022.
He retired in 2023 after a glittering career in the saddle that also saw him finish runner-up in the Grand National. For fans and fellow riders alike, that record marked him out as one of the most respected jockeys of his generation.
Tributes from racing colleagues
News of O’Brien’s death prompted tributes from across racing. Alex Crook said it was heartbreaking to hear that the two-time Cheltenham Festival winner and rider of more than 1,000 winners had died after a long battle with cancer. He also said he had met O’Brien and his family at Chepstow a couple of years ago and sent his thoughts to those close to him.
Ian Abrahams also paid tribute, saying it was incredibly sad news that O’Brien had passed away aged just 39 after a battle with cancer. He described him as a great, humble man and said he would be greatly missed.
A win dedicated to him over the weekend
Over the weekend, Ciaran Gethings dedicated a win to O’Brien, saying he had mentioned him because he was going through a tough time. Gethings added that he hoped O’Brien was at home by the fire watching the race and that it had brought a smile to his face.
O’Brien’s death removes a prominent figure from the weighing room, but the achievements he left behind — more than 1,000 winners, two Cheltenham Festival victories and a place in major races such as the Grand National — ensure he will be remembered for a long time.
