While most 22-year-olds are just taking the first steps in their professional career, trainer Donnacha O’Brien has already achieved what most in his profession can wait a lifetime to conquer.
The former Irish Champion jockey Is used to to competing at the top table, but even he could not have imagined such success quite so early on in his nascent training career.
Donnacha, much like his father Aidan and older brother Joseph, stayed humble despite the enormity of his success. He commented, “It’s unbelievable that I have a filly like her in my first year. People go a lifetime without getting a filly like her. I am under no illusions as to how lucky I am.”
Fancy Blue showed a very willing attitude under her rider Ryan Moore to hold off the late challenge from 20/1 chance One Voice and Tom Marquand to win by a neck.
First British Group 1 winner for @donnacha_obrien as a trainer 🙌
— Great British Racing (@GBRacing) July 30, 2020
Fancy Blue wins the Qatar Nassau Stakes 🏆pic.twitter.com/vCue3eM4DT
Donnacha O’Brien retired as a jockey in November 2019; his career in the saddle brought major success, including nine Group 1 wins and four Classic victories.
His career out of the saddle seems destined to be as littered with success as his previous career. It’ll be fascinating to see how far he and his star filly, Fancy Blue, can go in just their first year together.
Here’s the reaction to the momentous day in a young trainer’s career.
What a day for @donnacha_obrien
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) July 30, 2020
At just TWENTY-TWO years old he's trained the the winner of a Group One @Goodwood_Races
Join us LIVE for Day FOUR
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Say what you want about Donnacha O'Brien getting well-bred horses - he knows he is in a fortunate position and has said so countless times - but he's won two Group 1s with Fancy Blue now. Incredible going already. These horses still need training.
— Declan Rix (@HawkWing2002) July 30, 2020
Donnacha O’Brien really making me feel guilty about my age as he so nonchalantly discusses his second Group 1 success as a trainer at 22
— Joe Tuffin (@JoeTuffin) July 30, 2020
I did a big clothes wash today and I was really genuinely pleased with myself but we all have our own level of standards I suppose
A first British Group 1 winner for Donnacha O'Brien. He's just turned 22. Amazing achievement.
— Darren Norris (@Denmania) July 30, 2020
Another Group 1 for Donnacha O’Brien as Fancy Blue wins the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood. Not bad for a 22 year old trainer.
— John P. O'Sullivan (@johnnysull) July 30, 2020
FANCY BLUE winner of the G1 @Q_REC Nassau Stakes for @donnacha_obrien at @Goodwood_Races today#QatarGoodwoodFestival pic.twitter.com/3OrRq2Uxrg
— Kevin Buckley (@BuckleyKevin) July 30, 2020
