Jacqueline O'Brien, the widow of legendary trainer Vincent O'Brien, died Tuesday in her 90th year. The O'Brien family released the following statement Tuesday:
“Mrs Jacqueline O'Brien, wife of legendary trainer, the late Dr. Vincent O'Brien, died peacefully this morning in her 90th year surrounded by all her family. Born in Perth, Jacqueline graduated from the University of Western Australia before marrying Vincent in 1951, with whom she had five children. Despite no previous knowledge of racing, Jacqueline quickly became fully immersed in the business and was a tremendous support to Vincent throughout his training career. She was particularly good at entertaining owners, allowing her husband to concentrate fully on his horses. It was fitting that Vincent's final Group 1 winner, Fatherland–winner of the 1992 National Stakes–ran in Jacqueline's colours. Remarkably it was Vincent's 15th winner of the race, which was subsequently named in his honour.”
“In addition to raising her family and her pivotal role in the business, Jacqueline was herself a distinguished author and photographer. She is responsible for a number of best sellers–on Irish Heritage, her Australian background and of course on her celebrated husband. She also lectured internationally on historical subjects and held photographic exhibitions in America and Europe. A devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother, she will be sadly missed.”
Horse Racing Ireland Chief Executive Officer Brian Kavanagh paid tribute to Jacqueline O'Brien Tuesday, saying, “It's very poignant on the opening day of Cheltenham, a place where Jacqueline and Vincent were so closely associated for many years.”
“She was an institution in Irish racing for decades,” he continued. “She was an absolute joy to have anything to do with, a wonderful fundraiser behind the scenes for worthy causes and very passionate about her husband and the family and all the successes they had. Much more than just the wife of Vincent O'Brien, in her own right she was a fantastic lady; a very talented photographer and fundraiser, a philanthropist and a key member of the Ballydoyle team through the golden years.” Click here for the interview in its entirety.
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