Jockey Tom O’Brien, Cheltenham festival winner, dies aged 39

Jockey Tom O'Brien, who rode more than 1,000 winners over jumps including five Grade One victories and two at the Cheltenham Festival, has died at the age of 39 after being diagnosed with cancer. O'Brien retired from race riding in April 2023 following a 20-year career closely associated with trainer Philip Hobbs's stable near Minehead. His most prestigious wins came aboard Hobbs's Thyme Hill in the Stayers' Hurdle at Aintree in April 2021 and the Kauto Star Novice Chase at Kempton in December 2022.