Way during big move
Harry Redknapp, Warren Gatland and former top jockey Noel Fehily, whose first horse Pride Of Lecale was among the yard’s early flurry of winners, are just three of a growing number.
David Brace, whose grandson Connor rides for the yard and is a leading contender to be champion conditional this season, has pledged sponsorship through his company the Dunraven Group.
“It’s great to have them on board, we are looking forward to getting it going,” said O’brien.
“We are grateful to ISL Recruitment, who were with us before that.
“I have always felt very privileged to do this job, training 80 horses for nice people.
“I have some fantastic owners; I never have to chase a bill.
“I went to Hexham the other day for one race. It’s a long way to go, but when you are going up there, whether the horse won or lost we were going to have the same day because they are good people. That means a lot.”
O’brien’s positive outlook has influenced the longevity of Brennan’s career, it seems, in the years following his partnership with legendary chaser Cue Card.
He has few milestones to reach, but remains especially eager to play his part in helping the business to flourish.
“It’s only going to get better,” he said. “I think Fergal has the potential to be champion trainer one day – that’s how big he can get.
“The way I look at it (age), I have been 35 for three years now and I want to be 35 for another three years.
“When I think I have done enough I will accept it.
“My days going for one ride with no chance are over; I want to be ready for the bigger meetings.
“The young lads here, Connor Brace and Liam Harrison, are very good jockeys and I enjoy working with them and the team. It’s a happy place.
“Fergal always says if you don’t smile you don’t work here and that’s how it is.”
In a rare moment of disagreement in their harmonious relationship, O’brien talks down his chances of topping the trainers’ table one day.
“I will never be champion trainer, and that’s not being unambitious,” he says.
“You’d want to train 150 to 200 horses and I have a huge amount of respect for those who do, like Nicky Henderson and Paul Nicholls.
“I’m just a cog in a big wheel and that’s the way it has always been for me. It’s just trying to keep it going round.
“It’s keeping the staff happy when things aren’t going well. Paddy was very good last year.
“There was a time when we went about a month without a success and Paddy paid for everyone to go out for dinner.
“These are the things that people don’t see about Paddy Brennan. It’s what he gives to you behind the scenes, including his feedback about the horses.”
Brennan had walked the course with Connor Brace and Liam Harrison before they each rode a winner for the yard at The Showcase meeting.
All three horses – Champagne Well, Petite Power and Benny’s Bridge – hold entries for the biggest fixture outside of The Festival at Prestbury Park this weekend.
O’brien and his cake-loving assembly of owners – National Hunt racing’s answer to Great British Bake Off – have plenty to celebrate so far.
“The ultimate aim is to keep giving people a good time and the experience of jump racing, have competitive horses and be happy,” said O’brien, asked if he has a winners’ total for the season.
“When you are building something like this, it never happens as quick as you’d like.
“I just have to see the bigger picture in six months time when it is all done.
“It all feels really good here so far and I’m hoping it will continue that way.”