Death of Vincent O´Brien

More important than any race run today is the news that legendary Irish trainer Vincent O´Brien has died at the age of 92. Generally regarded as the best racehorse trainer of all time, O´Brien set new standards in both N.H. and flat racing. His achievements in jumps racing, including 4 Cheltenham Gold Cups, 3 Champion Hurdles and 3 successive Grand Nationals, are likely never to be equalled, while on the flat he sent out the winners of 16 British and 27 Irish classics, 25 races at Royal Ascot and 3 "Arc"s among many other big-race successes. Tributes have poured in from all over the racing world, with Lester Piggott (who partnered many of his top horses, including Triple Crown winner Nijinsky, dual "Arc" winner Alleged and Washington D.C. winner Sir Ivor) saying simply "he was the greatest", while Aidan O´Brien (no relation, but the current Irish champion and training from the same Ballydoyle stables) saying " he was my hero".