JOSEPH O’BRIEN, SON of legendary racing trainer Aidan, has become the youngest jockey to win a race at the Breeders Cup.
The 18-year-old was on board St Nicholas Abbey, a horse trained by his father, when he claimed the honour in the Breeders’ Cup Turf in Kentucky on Saturday.
“It’s been one of the proudest days of my life,” father Aidan said afterwards. “It’s unbelievable, a wonderful ride. What can I say? He’s an incredible rider.”
Speaking to reporters, the teenager said: “It’s a dream come true. I’ve been coming to the Breeders’ Cup since I was very small, but to ride here and ride a winner – it’s out of this world.”
The Sir Michael Stoute-trained Sea Moon looked odds on for victory until St Nicholas Abbey and O’Brien combined for a strong finish.
And O’Brien (Senior) had already experienced the winners enclosure at the meeting when Wrote was first past the post in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf.