Donnacha latest O'Brien to ride a winner

Donnacha O’Brien became the latest member of his illustrious family to ride a winner when recording a first success aboard Quartz in the Dundalk Stadium Apprentice Maiden.

His parents Aidan and Annemarie O’Brien both enjoyed plenty of success in the amateur riding ranks, while older brother Joseph is the current champion Flat jockey and sisters Sarah and Ana have also had their share of success.

The 16-year-old was having his 17th ride since initiating his career at Naas in July and, partnering a well-backed 4/6 favourite, just needed to push his mount out inside the final furlong. Duchess Andorra made most of the running under the experienced Colin Keane but was collared inside the final furlong of this mile event.

O’Brien’s mount kept on well to beat that rival by half a length, with Carrie Bow Cay nearly three lengths further back in third.

Proud father Aidan O’Brien said, “I’m delighted he’s got his first winner. It’s great to get it. He’s only 16, and had a fall at Wexford on only his third ride and he was very lucky thank God. But it didn’t affect him at all.

“He’s a big fella and with the 10lb claim he will be able to claim off 9st5lb.”

(AM & GC)