ON Sunday last, I reached a significant career milestone, when riding my 1,000th winner over jumps. In doing so, I became only the seventh jockey currently race-riding to achieve that landmark in Britain or Ireland.

Initially, I thought I had one more winner to go and was slightly disappointed after having to settle for third in the bumper.

However, upon returning to my car after racing, I switched on my phone to discover messages of congratulations from family, friends and colleagues.

I was aware I had partnered 999 winners in Britain, but I hadn’t factored in my sole Irish winner. I am incredibly proud of my accomplishment; something that wouldn’t have been possible without the support and loyalty of so many people.

With racing very much part of both sides of the family, I was always going to work within the industry. Having started off riding ponies with my cousins Mark and JJ Slevin, I began riding out for my uncle Shay towards the end of primary school.

At first, I only sat on quarter horses but then moved on to the quieter thoroughbreds. One weekend, Aidan [O’Brien; uncle] was down home and he asked if I would like to come into Ballydoyle to ride out.

Hooked

From the first day I set foot in the yard, I was hooked; I knew that I wanted to become a jockey. Every weekend, school holidays and even a few school days were spent down in Co Tipperary riding out. I missed family parties, weddings and funerals; such was my dedication.

I stayed on in school to finish my Leaving Certificate but wasn’t sure what to do next. My weight meant that I was never going to go down the apprentice route, while in all honesty I wasn’t good enough anyway.

One of the girls in Ballydoyle, Victoria Kyte, used to work for Philip Hobbs and I had her plagued about Rooster Booster. He had won the Champion Hurdle in 2003 and I was always asking after the grey. In September of 2004, she was going home to surprise her mother for her birthday and asked if I wanted to come over.

She suggested that I could go in on the Saturday and ride out a few lots for Philip. So, I did just that and later while chatting to the boss, I told him I loved jump racing and would love to give it a go.

Schooling

He offered me a job there and then; riding out and schooling horses but without the promise of any rides. Throughout my career, Philip has always been very straight with me, something that I greatly appreciate.

He told me to go back to Ireland, sort everything out and come back in October. However, now that I knew what I wanted in life I didn’t take that long – four days later I was back at Bristol airport with my bags in tow!

Philip actually gave me my first ride less than two months after, in an amateur riders’ handicap hurdle. Despite finishing second, I knew I had given the horse a terrible ride – my only saving grace was Sarah [Hobbs] owned the animal and Philip also trained the winner of the race.

Richard has always been a great friend and mentor to me, while Philip Hobbs has been a huge influence on my career

So, without an angry owner to appease and enjoying his winner, the boss probably left me off lightly.

Richard Pitman, who was on television that afternoon, mentioned that I was Aidan O’Brien’s nephew. The following morning, Dave Roberts phoned the office and asked if I would take him on as my agent.

In mid-December, I rode my first winner on the racecourse, The Names Bond for Andy Turnell. Paddy Brennan and Paul Flynn were both in the yard when I first arrived so there was never a dull moment.

The former really got going in 2004/5, becoming champion conditional jockey and securing a high-profile job with Howard Johnson. Paul moved back home to Ireland to start training, so all of a sudden, I found myself with more opportunities than previously.

Champion amateur

In 2005/06, I won a prolonged battle with Tom Greenall, before being crowned champion amateur.

As that particular championship runs on into May, I had built up a head of steam which saw me surge through to take the conditional jockeys’ title the following season. In claiming that title, I rode 105 winners, a record that stands to the present day.

Thyme Hill and Tom O'Brien after winning the Grade 1 Ryanair Stayers Hurdle at Aintree \ Healy Racing

During that championship winning season, I formed a strong relationship with Welsh trainer Peter Bowen. He does particularly well during the summer months but also has some nice winter horses.

Two of the highlights of my career came on a horse trained by Peter with Always Waining winning the Topham Chase at Aintree in 2011 and 2012. Welsh Grand National wins aboard Elegant Escape [2018] and Dream Alliance [2009] also stand out for me, particularly the latter horse given the story that goes with him.

Chance Du Roy [2013] winning a Beecher Chase and Silk Affair [2009] at the Cheltenham Festival are further highlights. In more recent times, Coole Cody winning the 2020 Paddy Power Gold Cup and Thyme Hill in the Aintree Stayers’ Hurdle [2021] were important career wins.

The former came at a time when I found myself struggling, unable to really get going again after the break due to Covid. I had always ridden winners for Evan Williams, so the win meant that bit more to me.

Thyme Hill, aside from being a Grade 1 winner, was significant, as with Richard [Johnson] retired, I needed to show I could do the job at the highest level.

Richard has always been a great friend and mentor to me, while Philip Hobbs has been a huge influence on my career. I consider myself very fortunate to have crossed their paths and been able to work alongside both men over the years.

Family

Immediately upon realising I had reached the 1,000-winner mark; my first thoughts were for my family.

My Mam and Dad, brother and sister, wife and son; they are the first people I speak to every morning and last at night. The life of a jump jockey isn’t an easy one, with the constant travelling, ups and downs and risks of serious injury.

After a good or bad day at the races, it is my family I will phone on the way home; be it to celebrate a winner or commiserate a loser.

Without their loyalty and support I wouldn’t be in the position I am in right now, so they deserve the plaudits as much as I do.

Tom O’Brien was in conversation with John O’Riordan