O’Brien’s counting cost of lockdown
HAVING drawn his last pay cheque last Wednesday, freelance jockey Tom O’Brien is wondering when he will next be earning after racing was shutdown last Thursday following the outbreak of equine flu.
O’Brien has been enjoying a rewarding season, with a second success coming in the Welsh Grand National on Elegant Escape at Chepstow in December, but the 32-year-old earns a wage only when racing takes place.
Unlike some of his more fortunate colleagues who have a retainer with a high-profile trainer or a contract to ride for a top owner, O’Brien is dependent on trainers requiring his services.
“It’s certainly not an ideal situation,” said O’Brien. “I’m not married and don’t have any children to support, but I have a mortgage to pay.”
O’Brien, nephew of Aidan, Ireland’s 21-time Irish champion trainer, partnered numerous stars at his uncle’s Ballydoyle stables but riding over jumps was his calling. Since leaving the Emerald
Isle 15 years ago to join Philip Hobbs he has not looked back.
A landmark 900 winners is fast approaching.
“This time of the year is usually busy for jockeys with Cheltenham just around the corner,” he said, lamenting the current lockdown.
“We have insurance but that only covers you when you’re injured. Riding for trainers does not replace the income of race-riding because you’re only getting around £10 to £15.”
O’Brien added: “I thought we’d be out of action at some point because of the weather, I was prepared for that, but not this situation.
“Some of the lads have gone off skiing and will be glad to recharge their batteries but we all want to get back racing as soon as we can.”
O’Brien came close to winning the Grand National when McKelvey chased home Silver Birch in 2007 but victory on Elegant Escape in next month’s Cheltenham Gold Cup would go some way to recompense for that loss.
“Definitely a good horse to be riding,” said O’Brien. “But first I hope this situation is sorted out quickly.”