Wexford-born jockey Tom O'Brien dies aged 39

Updated / Wednesday, 11 Nov 2026 15:20

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Wexford-born jockey Tom O'Brien, a winner of multiple Grade 1 races, has died aged 39.

O'Brien, who is a nephew of trainer Aidan O'Brien, had been diagnosed with cancer.

He began his career in Ireland as a teenager before moving to the UK and became a regular winner over the next two decades.

O'Brien was a two-time winner of the Welsh National, while he had two Cheltenham Festival successes with Silk Affair in the 2009 Fred Winter and Third Wind in the Pertemps Network Final four years ago.

He also claimed a Liverpool Hurdle under Thyme Hill in 2021.

O'Brien worked under trainer Philip Hobbs for all of his career and had over 1,076 winners, with just one coming in Ireland having dedicated his career to racing in the UK.

He retired in 2023. He is survived by his wife Hayley and two children, Toby and Archie.

Last Saturday, fellow jockey Ciaran Gethings referenced O'Brien after leading Javert Allen to a win at Aintree, describing him as "a very special friend of ours and mine and in the weighing room".

Hobbs paid tribute to O'Brien this morning: "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."

BHA chief executive Brant Dunshea said in a statement: "Everyone at the BHA and across British and Irish racing is mourning the devastating loss of our friend and colleague Tom O'Brien.

"Tom passed away surrounded by his loved ones following a long and courageous battle with cancer, which he faced with the steely determination and drive that typified the man so many of us knew.

"First and foremost, our thoughts are with those closest to Tom, especially his wife Hayley, their two young sons and their entire family. We will do everything to support them during this unimaginably difficult period.

"This news will have had a profound impact on Tom's weighing-room family. Jockeys past and present who knew and rode with Tom will be distraught by the loss of their friend. We know they have been an unwavering source of support to Tom during his illness.

"In an environment rocked so many times by tragedy in recent years, this will be another shattering blow and we will ensure that support is available for all who need it."

He went on: "Sadly, Tom's second career with the BHA's stewarding team was cut cruelly short, but he made an immediate impression on his colleagues due to his outstanding race-reading ability and sound decision-making. He was a popular member of the team and despite his illness, was always unfailingly helpful and ready to offer advice and guidance.

"Tom was held in the highest esteem and meant so much to so many people across our sport, who benefited 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."

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