Leo O'Brien, the legendary racehorse trainer who made history by winning the Irish 2,000 Guineas with Fourstars Allstar, has died at the age of 85 after a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia. He passed away on Thursday, according to his family.
O'Brien trained for 38 years in New York, amassing 568 winners and prize money of £28 million before retiring in 2022. Born in Newcastle, County Dublin, he began his career as a jump jockey in Ireland before moving to the United States, where he rode for 12 years until a career-ending injury.
After returning briefly to Ireland to train with his brother Michael, who was paralysed in a riding accident, Leo eventually made New York his permanent home. His son Keith told nyra.com: 'He came here from Ireland in 1964 to ride over jumps and fell in love with New York racing... He was a quiet man; a dignified man and he always gave his best.'
O'Brien's most famous horses included Fourstardave, who won at least one race at Saratoga Race Course each year from 1987 to 1994, earning the nickname 'The Sultan of Saratoga'. His full-brother Fourstars Allstar became the first American-trained horse to win a European classic by taking the Group 1 Irish Two Thousand Guineas in 1991, ridden by Mike Smith.
Keith O'Brien recalled his father's belief in the horse: 'He told me he was going to take the horse over to Ireland for the 2,000 Guineas. I said, “What are you talking about dad, are you crazy?” But he said to me, “I think this horse is special, he might be able to do it.”'
O'Brien's daughter Leona is married to top US jockey John Velazquez. The racing community mourns the loss of a true gentleman of the sport.
