Irish trainer Vincent O’Brien dies in Ireland at 92 after a half century in racing

Irish trainer Vincent O’Brien dies at 92

LONDON — Vincent O’Brien, one of horse racing’s great European trainers during a career that lasted more than a half century, died Monday. He was 92.

O’Brien, an Irishman, died at his home in Straffan in County Kildare, his family said. He retired from training in 1994 and had been spending his winters in Australia.

He won 16 English and 27 Irish classics in addition to 25 victories at Royal Ascot and 23 at the Cheltenham Festival.

Breeders’ Cup president Greg Avioli lauded O’Brien for his “deep and profound impact” on racing.

“His career was extraordinary and he set a standard of international excellence that will be rarely equaled,” he said.

O’Brien began training in 1943 and masterminded the career of three-time Champion Hurdle winner Hatton’s Grace. He won straight Grand National steeplechases with Early Mist, Royal Tan and Quare Times.

O’Brien later switched to thoroughbred racing and trained Nijinsky, Sir Ivor, Alleged, Sadler’s Wells, Golden Fleece, The Minstrel, El Gran Senor, Ballymoss and Roberto.

O’Brien was the original purchaser of Coolmore Stud, later recruiting John Magnier to run the farm. Owner-investor Robert Sangster then came in to seal Coolmore’s worldwide reputation.

“Dad’s racing career speaks for itself and needs no elaboration,” O’Brien’s daughter, Sue Magnier, and husband John and their family said in a statement. “There was nobody like him. Coolmore Stud and Ballydoyle are the results of his vision and testament to his success.”

O’Brien is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, and five children, including David, who trained English Derby winner Secreto and lives in Australia, and Charles, who trains in Ireland.

The funeral is Thursday in Newbridge, County Kildare.