‘Proud moment’ says O’Brien

TOP LOCAL racehorse trainer John O’Brien has described Wise Guy’s Triple Crown success as a “proud moment”, despite the obstacles faced by the horseracing industry in 2020.

The coronavirus pandemic has severely hampered the “sport of kings” this year, with a three-month-long lockdown, between mid-March and mid-June, forcing the season to go on pause, while betting shops were forced to close during that period.

One shining light has been the performance of the three-year-old Wise Guy, owned by the Poon Tip Racing Services.

Ridden by apprentice Kimal Santo, Wise Guy won the First Citizens Guineas on September 24, the Midsummer Classic on October 31 and the Trinre Derby Stakes last Saturday.

Wise Guy’s success was the second Triple Crown achieved by O’Brien, as Momentum did the trick in 2014.

During an interview on Thursday, O’Brien touched on how it felt to accomplish the Triple Crown for a second time, at the centralised venue for local racing – Santa Rosa Park, Arima.

“In the present environment, where there was no crowd, it was a rather surreal feeling,” O’Brien said. “It was still a proud moment.”

Due to the covid19 lockdown, the dates for both the Guineas and Midsummer Classic were pushed back.

Was there any pressure on Wise Guy to complete the treble this year, due to the short space of time between the major races?

O’Brien replied, “In horse racing, that’s difficult to tell. When it’s an extended period of time, you always have to worry about injuries. Over a shorter period, it’s probably a little easier.”

He also highlighted work done by Santo, who became the first apprentice jockey to achieve the Triple Crown.

“For a young lad, he has a wise head on his shoulder,” said O’Brien. “Once he sticks to it, he has a good future and I wish him the best.”

How will he rate this success with Wise Guy compared to 2014 with Momentum? “Momentum was the first time that I achieved it, so it was probably a much better feeling,” he responded.

O’Brien is looking forward to the last two race days for 2020, as he will have horses competing for the St James Trophy (on December 12) as well as the Gold Cup and Breeders Classic (on Boxing Day, December 26).

O’Brien and Glenn Mendez have been the dominant trainers, in terms of wins, for the past 10-15 years.

He mentioned that the keys to his successes are “dedication and enjoying what you’re doing.

“If you enjoy what you’re doing, it’s a lot easier,” said O’Brien. “I enjoy the competition.”

The 2020 sporting season has been like no other, because of the pandemic, and horse racing local and abroad have been heavily affected.

O’Brien said. “It has been very difficult. What it teaches you is that you have to keep going, keep your fingers crossed, hope for the best and that God will provide you with the answers.”