Nijinsky's trainer back at Epsom

Six-times Derby-winning trainer Vincent O’Brien made a belated return to Epsom on Saturday as the meeting’s guest of honour.

The 91-year-old is one of the greatest figures in racing history who claimed virtually every prize of note in both codes during his long career including the Grand National, the Cheltenham Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle.

O’Brien plundered the Derby with Larkspur, Sir Ivor, Nijinsky, Roberto, The Minstrel and Golden Fleece but had not visited the track for some time.

Although now very frail, he was able to present connections of Smokey Storm with the trophies for winning the Woodcote Stakes, flanked by wife, Jacqueline and son, Charles.

Charles O’Brien, himself now a trainer, said: “It’s fantastic for him to be back, as this is a very special place.

“He has not been back here since he had a runner, which is around 20 years.”