Joseph O’Brien to follow in the steps of his father, Aidan O’Brien, by guarding the champions’ title for years to come
Winning the jockeys’ championship at the age of nineteen was truly over whelming for jockey, Joseph O’Brien, as it broke many records. It is rare for a jockey to win the top apprentice title, and then the jockeys’ championship the very next year, however
it did become true for the O’Brien family. Such a record made news after a little more than sixty years.
The father-son pair is without any doubt one of the most intimidating in the horse racing industry, as Aidan O’Brien has dictated the champion trainer’s title ever since 1998. Last time a father-son won the championship titles in the same year was back in
1916.
There could not have been a better closing to the Irish flat season at Leopardstown for the one of the most influential names, Ballydoyle. The chances of the best riding partner for the Aidan O’Brien trained horses, were over shadowed by jockey, Pat Smullen,
initially.
The jockey had struck a treble on Saturday at Leopardstown, but the reigns for the prestigious title were soon taken back by Camelot’s rider, Joseph O’Brien. The title last year was won by, Pat Smullen.
The junior O’Brien primarily came under the limelight due to the highly significant races that he won with Camelot. The races also included successes in the first two legs of the Triple Crown, 2000 Guineas and the Investec Derby.
He has been the prime jockey for the stable, and had won at home and abroad alike.
Both the confronting jockeys missed the final weekend of the flat race due to their engagements in the Breeders’ Cup.
The winning jockey commented:
"Obviously it’s great and I’ve been very lucky to be able to ride some very nice two-year-olds and maidens along the way," he said.
"I get to ride some very nice horses and I’d like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Tabor and Mr. and Mrs. Magnier and my dad for the opportunity."
If the son will be able to follow the father in picking up titles year after year or not will start surfacing once the next flat season begins.
With such tremendous success at the age of nineteen, more experience and exposure that too guided by trainer none other than, Aidan O’Brien, will make him a world-class riding sensation soon.
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