Tom O'Brien: Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey dies aged 39

Former jockey Tom O'Brien has died at the age of 39 following a lengthy battle with cancer.

The Irish rider retired in April 2023 after a successful career in which he recorded more than 1,000 winners in Britain and Ireland, including five Grade One victories.

O'Brien enjoyed two Cheltenham Festival successes. He won the 2009 Fred Winter Juvenile Hurdle aboard Silk Affair before returning to the winner's enclosure in 2022 with Third Wind in the Pertemps Final.

He also achieved memorable victories in the Welsh Grand National, riding Dream Alliance to success in 2009 and Elegant Escape in 2018.

Born in Wexford, O'Brien moved to Britain in 2004 and spent most of his career working with trainer Philip Hobbs. He became champion conditional jockey in the 2006-07 season after riding more than 100 winners.

Hobbs paid tribute to the jockey, describing him as talented, reliable and a very good person.

O'Brien leaves behind his wife, Hayley, and their two children, Toby and Archie.