A dozen reasons to savour exploits of Joseph O’Brien

Joseph O’Brien partners Camelot to 2012 Investec Derby success. Image courtesy of Racingfotos.com.

Joseph O’Brien has announced that he is to quit the saddle to concentrate on his training career.

The 22-year-old, son of record-breaking trainer Aidan, has had a long battle with the scales and his decision does not come as a surprise.

O’Brien, who rode his first winner in 2009, has played a pivotal role at Ballydoyle in recent years and enjoyed 12 victories in QIPCO British Champions Series races between 2012 and 2014. He was placed in another 20.

Highlights for him included Investec Derby triumphs on Camelot and Australia, plus Group 1 Royal Ascot victories aboard So You Think, Declaration Of War and Leading Light.

He also won the QIPCO 2000 Guineas on Camelot and guided St Nicholas Abbey to two of his three Investec Coronation Cup wins.

Last year he was replaced as Ballydoyle No.1 jockey by Ryan Moore but still enjoyed many notable successes, including at the Curragh in mid-September when guiding Air Force Blue and Order Of St George to Group 1 victories on the same day.