Jockey Tom O’Brien dies aged 39 after cancer diagnosis

Irish jockey Tom O’Brien has died aged 39 after being diagnosed with cancer.

He rode more than 1,000 winners in Britain and Ireland, including two victories at the Cheltenham Festival.

O’Brien spent most of his career at Philip Hobbs’ Minehead yard, joining as a teenager before retiring from race riding in 2023.

He won the Welsh Grand National twice, including in 2009 aboard Dream Alliance.

His partnership with Thyme Hill brought Grade One wins in the Liverpool Hurdle in 2021 and the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase in 2022.

After retiring, he joined the British Horseracing Authority’s stewarding team.

Former colleague Richard Johnson and trainer Hobbs paid tribute to O’Brien, who leaves his wife Hayley and two young children.