A statement from BHA chief executive Brant Dunshea following the tragic loss of BHA steward, accomplished jockey and devoted family man, Tom O’Brien.

Everyone at the BHA and across British and Irish racing is mourning the devastating loss of our friend and colleague Tom O’Brien.

Tom passed away surrounded by his loved ones following a long and courageous battle with cancer, which he faced with the steely determination and drive that typified the man so many of us knew.

First and foremost, our thoughts are with those closest to Tom, especially his wife Hayley, their two young sons and their entire family. We will do everything to support them during this unimaginably difficult period.

This news will have had a profound impact on Tom’s weighing room family. Jockeys past and present who knew and rode with Tom will be distraught by the loss of their friend. We know they have been an unwavering source of support to Tom during his illness.

In an environment rocked so many times by tragedy in recent years, this will be another shattering blow and we will ensure that support is available for all who need it.

Tom was an accomplished rider, securing champion amateur and conditional titles as a younger man before enjoying a long and prosperous career in the British National Hunt sphere.

A dual Cheltenham Festival and multiple Grade 1 winning jockey, he became synonymous with the stable of Philip Hobbs and the duo combined to big race success throughout their 20-year partnership. His win on Dream Alliance in the Welsh National epitomised the magic of our sport – not many jockeys see their triumph on the track turned into a feature film!

Tom’s skill and tenacity in the saddle saw him join exalted company in 2021, when he became one of only a small number of jockeys to ride more than 1,000 British and Irish winners. A phenomenal achievement and a proud moment.

Sadly, Tom’s second career with the BHA’s stewarding team was cut cruelly short, but he made an immediate impression on his colleagues due to his outstanding race reading ability and sound decision making. He was a popular member of the team and despite his illness, was always unfailingly helpful and ready to offer advice and guidance.

Tom was held in the highest esteem and meant so much to so many people across our sport, who benefitted from his kindness and loyal friendship.

He touched countless lives on both sides of the Irish Sea, bringing joy to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him and watching what he did best, on and off the racecourse.

He will be hugely missed and his loss is immensely difficult to process. The racing family is distraught, but I know how we will all rally round to provide each other with support, comfort and to remember Tom as we knew him best: a brilliant jockey, a valued colleague, a loyal friend and above all a loving husband and devoted father.