Rookie trainer Joseph O’Brien got the better of his record-breaking dad Aidan as Rekindling led home an Irish clean sweep at the Emirates Melbourne Cup.
The 24-year-old saw 14-1 shot Rekindling overtake O’Brien senior’s horse Johannes Vermeer just before the line in Australia’s most prestigious race – and the world’s richest.
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Joseph O’Brien only switched from being a jockey to a trainer last year but at his first attempt achieved something that has long eluded his illustrious father, reports The Daily Telegraph.
“Aidan O’Brien has had a phenomenal season in which he broke the world record of 25 Group or Grade One wins held by the American Bobby Frankel. It looked briefly as if he would be adding yet another major event to his glittering CV as Ben Melham went for home on Johannes Vermeer but Rekindling ran him down for a winning margin of just under half a length.”
Rekindling’s victory also gave owner Lloyd Williams a sixth success in ‘the race that stops a nation’ and with it a prize of $3.6million.
Williams, who is also co-owner of Johannes Vermeer, heaped praised on Joseph O’Brien saying: "I'm proud of this young man. He's an absolute star. I have been telling anyone who will listen to me that Joseph will be the leading trainer in the world in years to come, his father needs to watch out. You have just seen the start of an amazing career kick off right here in Melbourne. He's an absolutely extraordinary young man and this is an amazing achievement."
Jockey Corey Brown timed his ride on Rekindling in the two-mile classic to perfection to repeat his success of 2009, when he triumphed on Shocking.
He told The Guardian: “I just can’t believe it. I always thought I would catch him [Johannes Vermeer] with lighter weight. It wasn’t easy, it’s all worth it when you do things like this. I was a fraction slow away. But I didn’t want to get him revved up.”
Aidan O’Brien was on holiday in Barbados, rather than in Melbourne to witness his son’s incredible achievement but was quick to congratulate him over the phone after the race.
Joseph O’Brien said: "I can't quite believe it yet. Corey gave him an unbelievable ride and I'm just so delighted for everyone - all the lads at home and the lads that have been down here have done an unbelievable job.
"It hasn't really sunk in yet to be honest. I spoke to my dad and he's delighted.”