'I know how lucky I am. I'm in a very privileged position and not many get the chance I've been given'
Joseph O'Brien talks to David Jennings about life as a jockey, a trainer and his quest for Arc glory
We're sipping silky-smooth cappuccinos in the plush, recently renovated owners' room at the hill in Owning, surrounded by framed pictures of Camelot, St Nicholas Abbey, Australia, State Of Rest and his Melbourne Cup winners, Rekindling and Twilight Payment, when I ask how Joseph O'Brien the trainer compares to Joseph O'Brien the jockey of, let's say, ten years ago, the one who rode Chicquita in Treve's second Arc.
"Well, I'm about five stone heavier, for starters," he bursts out laughing in the manner of a man who seems to think he has developed the physique of John Daly since he stopped riding. A quick glance across the table instantly makes him feel a whole lot better about himself. "I'd actually love to go back and ride in those races again."
Really? Ah, come on, Joseph. I'm not having that. You would not torture yourself all over again. No way.
Read the full story
Read award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, with exclusive news, interviews, columns, investigations, stable tours and subscriber-only emails.
Subscribe to unlock
- Racing Post digital newspaper (worth over £100 per month)
- Award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing
- Expert tips from the likes of Tom Segal and Paul Kealy
- Replays and results analysis from all UK and Irish racecourses
- Form study tools including the Pro Card and Horse Tracker
- Extensive archive of statistics covering horses, trainers, jockeys, owners, pedigree and sales data
Already a subscriber?Log in
Published on inThe Big Read
Last updated
Copy- It's been a quarter of a century since we started - here's how we've seen the sport we love change
- ‘When you’re in the moment and you’re starved, you’re ready to explode - everything built up and I just lost my s**t’
- 'I still remember the look on Paul Nicholls' face - but it would have been a lot worse if I hadn't held on!'
- 'It was devastating – but as a leader you've got to stand up, pick everyone else up and take them forward with you'
- 'He was still 100-1 at the post, so it was hopefully quite well planned' - renowned punter Patrick Veitch on a life in betting and a new venture
- It's been a quarter of a century since we started - here's how we've seen the sport we love change
- ‘When you’re in the moment and you’re starved, you’re ready to explode - everything built up and I just lost my s**t’
- 'I still remember the look on Paul Nicholls' face - but it would have been a lot worse if I hadn't held on!'
- 'It was devastating – but as a leader you've got to stand up, pick everyone else up and take them forward with you'
- 'He was still 100-1 at the post, so it was hopefully quite well planned' - renowned punter Patrick Veitch on a life in betting and a new venture