Joseph O’Brien makes owner’s day with biggest win in Boxing Day showpiece
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Joseph O’Brien landed his biggest win over jumps when he added the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase to his glittering CV. Since retiring from a highly successful career as a Flat jockey when he was four-time champion of Ireland and won the Epsom Derby, the 31-year-old has continued to enjoy big race success as a trainer.
On the Flat he has won Group 1 races at home and all over the world, including at the Breeders’ Cup, and won the Melbourne Cup twice. Unlike his legendary father Aidan, who gave up training jumpers after the retirement of triple Champion Hurdle winner Istabraq, Joseph has continued to train a powerful squad of jumpers who have brought him Cheltenham Festival honours.
He can add the King George trophy to his cabinet after Banbridge hunted down the frontrunning French horse Il Est Francais to claim the £250,000 race under Paul Townend. Banbridge only collared Il Est Francais after jumping the last fence to go on to win by a length and three quarters.
O’Brien said: “It’s a special win. To win a race like the King George is dream stuff, although I feel a bit sorry for J J (Slevin, regular jockey who was riding in Ireland) who has a great association with the horse but wasn’t able to come and ride him today. Paul gave him a great ride.”.
He went on: “Kempton is a flat track and, over this distance, speed is emphasised more than at other places. Paul was happy to find a nice rhythm and the race panned out well for him. “I actually thought Il Est Francais was gone turning for home but our horse made a sustained run all the way to the line. His resolution and stamina was tested, but he had enough for today.”.
