Skip to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleWant to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.Join todayAlready a member? Log inJames HickenWednesday 11 November 2026 13:06 GMTO’Brien had retired from the saddle in 2023 (PA)Grade One-winning jockey Tom O’Brien has died at the age of 39 following a battle with cancer, leaving behind his wife, Hayley, and two young sons.During a distinguished career in Britain and Ireland, O’Brien rode over 1,000 winners, including two victories at the Cheltenham Festival, two Welsh Grand National triumphs, and top-level Grade One wins aboard Thyme Hill.O’Brien spent his entire riding career at trainer Philip Hobbs’ Minehead stable, serving as second jockey behind Richard Johnson before succeeding him as stable jockey upon Johnson’s retirement in 2021.After retiring from the saddle in 2023, O’Brien transitioned into a second career by joining the British Horseracing Authority’s stewarding team, where he earned high praise for his race-reading skills and judgement.Figures from across the racing world paid tribute to O’Brien, with Johnson hailing him as an all-round good man and BHA chief executive Brant Dunshea describing his passing as a shattering blow to the sport.In fullGrade One winning jockey Tom O’Brien dies aged 39 as racing world pays tributeMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in