Tributes to Jacqueline O’Brien, wife of legendary horse trainer Vincent

Horseracing paused to remember Jacqueline O’Brien, wife of legendary horse trainer Vincent O’Brien, whose death at the age of 89 was announced yesterday.

Her husband, who passed away in 2009, aged 92, was a colossus of the training scene, creating the Ballydoyle dynasty and dominating National Hunt racing before turning his attentions to the Flat.

Jacqueline O’Brien (née Wittenoom) played a key role in her husband’s record-breaking career.

Denis Egan, CEO of the Irish Turf Club, said: “It’s very sad news. She was a lovely lady who lived life right up to the end.”

Married in 1951, the O’Briens had two sons: David, trainer of Derby winner Secreto, and Charles; and three daughters: Elizabeth, Susan, and Jane.

The Vincent O’Brien County Handicap Hurdle is staged at Cheltenham on Friday, where Charles O’Brien is due to run Henry Higgins.