O’Brien is champion jockey despite Smullen’s late flourish

Joseph O’Brien will be crowned Irish champion jockey for the first time next weekend – even after Pat Smullen signed off for the season with a treble at Leopardstown on Saturday.

The former title-holder secured three winners at Leopardstown but O’Brien has taken the overall honours 87-84.

The Irish Flat season does not end until next weekend but both riders will be in America for the Breeders’ Cup.