Upwardly mobile trainer seeks elusive Cheltenham success.
One of the most rapidly advancing trainers in recent years, Fergal O’Brien, based locally in Cheltenham, has been accumulating victories steadily. However, there remains a particular achievement that has eluded him.
Despite his impressive track record, O’Brien is yet to secure a win at the prestigious four-day Cheltenham Festival, a fact that is starting to irk him. Undeterred, he is ready to take on the challenge this year by entering his two top horses, Crambo in the Stayers’ Hurdle and Dysart Enos in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, to compete against the formidable Irish contingent.
During a recent press visit to his stables, O’Brien expressed his anticipation for the upcoming event. He acknowledged the Festival's significance in his life over the past three decades, describing it as the pinnacle of the racing calendar.
While O’Brien has come close to victory with horses like Barney Dwan, Cap Soleil, Imperial Alcazar, and Alaphilippe, finishing as runners-up, these near-misses have only fuelled his determination to clinch that elusive first place. Reflecting on past disappointments, he remains optimistic about his chances this year.
With a strong team, excellent facilities, dedicated staff, and supportive owners, O’Brien is confident that his horses, Crambo and Dysart Enos, are in prime form to compete at their best. He emphasised that any horse capable of defeating them would be truly exceptional and deserving of the win.
O’Brien also highlighted his long-standing partnership with jockey Paddy Brennan, expressing his desire for Brennan to ride their first Festival winner. Acknowledging Brennan's invaluable contributions to their journey, O’Brien praised his expertise in horse racing and hoped for his continued involvement at Ravenswell Farm even post-retirement.
Despite a brief collaboration with trainer Graeme McPherson, which yielded significant success, O’Brien is now focused on his solo venture. With a renewed sense of purpose and a consolidated training setup, he looks forward to continued progress and success at Ravenswell Farm.
As the Cheltenham Festival approaches, O’Brien remains optimistic about his chances, hoping to finally tick off that crucial milestone in his career. The anticipation is high, and the stage is set for a potentially triumphant day on Thursday, March 14th.