Youngest O'Brien brother steps into the limelight with serene Guineas victory

Donnacha O'Brien thanked his father Aidan for having faith he could deliver a Qipco 2,000 Guineas success on Saxon Warrior on only his second ride in the Classic.

O'Brien, 19, followed older brother Joseph who also claimed the race as a teenager when he triumphed in 2012 on Camelot, aged 18.

The last brothers to ride the winner of the 2,000 Guineas were Manny Mercer (on Darius in 1954) and Joe Mercer (on Brigadier Gerard in 1971).

Saxon Warrior (third from left) comes with a strong late run to claim the Qipco 2,000 GuineasCredit: Edward Whitaker

O'Brien recognised he may not have been given such a big chance to join them if his father was not the trainer.

"I am hugely grateful to him for trusting me and giving me the opportunities," he said.

Watch: Donnacha O'Brien guide Saxon Warrior to success in the 2,000 Guineas

"I am under no illusions that's the only reason I'm riding them but I'm glad I can do the business. I think that's the truth but I'm glad I got the job done.

"It hasn't really sunk in yet. When I leave the track tonight I'll reflect on it but it's very special."

O'Brien had just turned 16 when he rode his first winner at Dundalk in 2014.

Intricately (red) gave Donnacha O'Brien his first Grade 1 successCredit: Alain Barr

He gained his first Group success in 2016 on Order Of St George in Irish St Leger Trial Stakes and a month later captured his first Group 1 victory on Intricately, trained by Joseph, in the Moyglare Stud Stakes, and bred by mother Annemarie. He ended the season as champion apprentice.

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Mother, brother and sister Ana were at Newmarket to support Donnacha in the most important assignment of his career, a year after he guided Lancaster Bomber into fourth place.

"Joseph talked me through the track and how to ride it," he said.

Donnacha O'Brien finished fourth in the 2,000 Guineas last year aboard Lancaster Bomber (blue cap, far side)Credit: Edward Whitaker

"He has had a lot of experience and it's vital to have people like that in your corner, people who can talk you through things every step of the way."

Tall for a jockey, O'Brien expects weight to ultimately limit the length of his career in the saddle, as it did Joseph who quit after six years to begin training.

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"I'm probably similar to him in that I'm not going to be riding all my life," he said. "I knew that from the day I started riding but at the minute it's fine. I did 9st today, no problem. I didn't struggle a bit.

"I'll get this season and hopefully another two or three seasons after that, but I'll take it day by day. I'll wake up one morning and I'll be heavy – and that will be that.

"I'll make the most of it while I can. I don't know what I'll do then. I'll deal with riding first and then take what comes after that."

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