Fergal O’Brien postpones decision on new stable jockey; substitutes arranged for Paddy Brennan’s weekend rides.

Connor Brace recently started riding Shelikesthelights at Cheltenham on Thursdays and will also be taking the reins for Young Buster at Ayr on Saturdays. Brennan has played a vital role in O’Brien’s stable, claiming his first win in 2011 and achieving a breakthrough Grade 1 victory with Poetic Rhythm in the 2017 Challow Novices’ Hurdle. Together, they have secured 465 wins, which constitutes more than half of O’Brien’s total wins. Other key riders in O’Brien’s future plans include Brace (88 wins), Liam Harrison (66 wins), and Jack Hogan (32 wins).

O’Brien stated their intention to leave jockey choices to the owners for the remainder of the season, and hopes to have things sorted out for the next season. However, no concrete plans have been made out of respect for Paddy, who recently ended his career. They have several good jockeys, such as Connor, Liam Harrison, and Jack Hogan, all of whom have shown promising performances. They plan to discuss and strategize after the upcoming Sandown race.

Brennan recently ended his career on a high note, winning a race on Wednesday and reflecting on his 1,500-plus wins, particularly recalling Cue Card’s 2015 King George victory and his Gold Cup win in 2010. He fondly remembered his partnership with Paddy and the success they achieved, though Paddy will always remember the Gold Cup as the one that slipped away. They have had an amazing time together, and Brennan’s legacy in horse racing is significant.