'It hasn't sunk in yet' - Tom O'Brien reflects on hitting 1,000-winner landmark

Tom O'Brien said on Monday that he was still in disbelief about reaching 1,000 career winners having passed that landmark at Worcester on Sunday.

O'Brien had been eyeing that number for some time but only realised he had reached it when seeing his milestone flagged on the Racing Post website after guiding the Ian Williams-trained Head On to victory in the 2m7f handicap chase.

"Once I got past 950 I had my eye on it, but then it got a bit difficult and I was a little bit quiet on numbers with Covid," said O'Brien. "I was delighted to achieve it.

"It hasn't sunk in yet. I was looking at 1,000 UK winners and after mine won yesterday I was thinking 'right, I need one more.' Then I saw yourselves had counted the Irish winner, you had picked up on it before me. It obviously wasn't just me looking at it.

Tom O'Brien enjoyed Grade 1 success with Thyme Hill within a week of succeeding Richard Johnson as stable number one to Philip HobbsCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"It's a recognised achievement and I didn't get much sleep last night thinking about it. I'm very grateful to everyone who has supported me – there have been a lot of loyal people along the way."

O'Brien had never ridden in a race before joining Philip Hobbs and booted home the Andy Turnell-trained The Names Bond for a first winner in December 2004.

He rode 105 winners to become champion conditional jockey in the 2006-7 season – a victory tally that was third overall behind Sir Anthony McCoy and his mentor, Richard Johnson, that campaign.

O'Brien has plenty to look forward to this season as stable jockey for Hobbs in the wake of Johnson's retirement – he could hardly have made a better start than when landing the Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle on Thyme Hill – and will be keeping a close eye on this season's numbers.

"I was disappointed that I couldn't reach 50 in the last two seasons – that was the minimum aim," added O'Brien. "You try to get there as quick as you can and once that's done you just try to beat your best tally. My best without a claim is 83 – I've always wanted to beat that.

"I managed to ride 100 as a claimer and in the past I've got to 50, 60 or 70. I've always been aiming at 100 in a season. You need to have a good consistent year and stay in one piece to achieve that. I'll do my best every day."

Read more:

'A huge achievement' – Tom O'Brien hits 1,000 winners in Britain and Ireland

Replacing the irreplaceable – Tom O'Brien gets the call at Philip Hobbs's yard

'My clothes are a bit snugger' – Geraghty joins Johnson in Leger Legends line-up

David Dennis eyeing winter riches after returning to training in his own right

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