An Interview with National Hunt Jockey Paul O'Brien

Paul O’Brien has steadily pegged his way through the racing ranks. He started off flapping and point-to-pointing in his native Ireland before moving over to the UK. His first winner under Rules was for his then-boss Donald McCain in September 2012 on Mulligan’s Man at Perth and latterly, he rode out his claim in October 2021 on the Pam Sly-trained Takeit Easy at Wetherby. Most recently, he has struck up a successful partnership with Harry Derham, whilst still holding contacts with the yards he was formerly associated with.

Paul, 32, calls Mitchelstown in County Cork home and now resides in Chisledon, near Swindon.

Paul wins on the Harry Derham-trained Court In The Act

at Kempton on Boxing Day, 2023.

Did you have a horsey childhood? I did. There was always horses and ponies around. I did a lot of Pony Club, a bit of hunting and had a few rides in pony racing. After that I did a couple of years point-to-pointing before moving over here.

In school, I had a good laugh and never took it seriously so it was always going to be horses.

How did you get into racing? I had a couple of really good ponies. One of them, my first ever pony Toby (pictured), is still at home. When racing was frozen off last seaon, I went home and went to see him. Racing always beckoned because I always wanted to go a bit quicker .

Growing up, which jockey did you admire? I was a big fan of Jason Maguire, as well as all the others like Ruby Walsh and AP McCoy.

Do you have any family connections to racing? My brother Eoin is an amateur in Ireland, riding in point-to-points and bumpers, etc.

Which trainers have you worked for? When I moved over here, I worked for Donald McCain for a year and a half. He got me my conditional license and I had a few winners for him.

When I’d been an amateur in Ireland, I’d gone and ridden out for Rebecca Curtis one summer and when I was leaving Donald’s, I was offered the conditional job there. So, I went there for a season, rode about five winners. After that, I moved to Colin Tizzard’s and had a good few winners for him. It was a really great to be around really, really good horses like Thistlecrack, Cue Card and Native River. After that, I went to Charlie Longsdon’s and even though I still ride out there, the main man I now ride out for is Harry Derham.

Paul winning a Grade 2 on Castafiore at Haydock

Best days in racing so far: There are a few days I think back on, remembering them as good days – it’s always good when someone reminds of them. Yet, I don’t tend to look back too much – I try to look forwards. Saying that, however, I enjoy remembering my first big winner on the mare Castafiore. She won a Grade 2 novices’ chase at Haydock for Longsdon.

Favourite racecourse: I love riding around Newbury – it’s such a big fair track.  Actually, it’s a tossup between Newbury and Sandown. I’ve also done well round Huntingdon and Wincanton.

What race would you most like to ride the winner of? The Cheltenham Gold Cup or the Champion Chase.

What do you love about racing? It’s a grand job when you’re riding nice horses and you’re being competitive. It’s some fun riding those nice horses – it’s a hell of a buzz and we have some craic.

What type of boss is Harry Derham? Harry is brilliant – he’s been brilliant to me and we’ve been getting on very well. He’s a really good trainer, who’s going places.

Favourite meal: Steak and chips.

Favourite drink: I drink a lot of tea.

Favourite holiday destination: Ibiza.

Favourite music: I like house and rock.

Favourite movie: I like comedy films. I’d regularly watch anything with Will Ferrell.

Ideal celebrity date: Margot Robbie.

Other hobbies/interests: I do a lot of walking and I like hanging out with my friends.

*Many thanks to Old Gold Racing for the help in securing this interview. They published it first in their fabulous newsletter Racing Weekly. To sign up, go to https://mailchi.mp/2f6ba62d6182/racing-weekly-lead-capture