Aidan O’Brien is without doubt one of the most profitable trainers within the historical past of horse racing.
ASCOT, ENGLAND – JUNE 17: Aidan O’Brien poses on day one throughout Royal Ascot 2025 at Ascot Racecourse on June 17, 2025 in Ascot, England. (Photograph by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Pictures for Ascot Racecourse) (Picture: Getty Pictures)
Sean Levey, a jockey at Royal Ascot, has shared his experiences working with famend Irish coach Aidan O’Brien, describing him as simply as variety and diligent behind the scenes as one would count on.
O’Brien, who has made a big affect on the Nationwide Hunt recreation, was invited by Fermoy-born enterprise tycoon John Magnier to coach at Ballydoyle, and his profession took off from there. The 55 yr outdated has basically gained every thing there may be to win in flat racing and has cemented his standing as an all-time nice.
His document on the Royal assembly is as spectacular as one would possibly anticipate, and he sends a big contingent to Berkshire yearly in pursuit of Group 1 glory. Ryan Moore, Ballydoyle’s retained jockey, rides most of those horses; nevertheless, such a big operation typically leads to different rides changing into obtainable.
Levey, who relocated to Eire in his teenagers, began driving out for O’Brien when he was younger. He served as an apprentice beneath the coach earlier than shifting to England and becoming a member of Richard Hannon’s steady.
The 37 yr outdated has ridden winners for O’Brien on quite a few events, most notably steering Galileo colt Jan Brueghel to victory within the St. Leger in 2024. In consequence, Levey is well-versed within the icon’s methods and has disclosed that his laborious work is mirrored in his honourable character.
“I used to be an apprentice there [at Ballydoyle] for a couple of years earlier than I moved right here [to England]. It had a large affect,” revealed Ladbrokes ambassador Levey.
“As a result of I clearly served an apprenticeship beneath him for an excellent few years. So it was… My preliminary standpoint was beneath Aidan, so that you’d think about he had a large affect on loads of the issues I do now. He is a really, very variety man. The sort of man who does proper by everybody.
“He is additionally very meticulous. I feel his love for the game sort of shines by in how he offered himself and the way he is navigated coaching a large number of very, excellent horses. I imply, his document sort of speaks for itself, and there is not a lot I can actually add to his CV!”
Sean Levey poses at Newbury Racecourse on April 12, 2025 (Picture: Getty Pictures)
All through his illustrious profession, Levey has had the honour of driving not just for the Ballydoyle dynasty but additionally for the Royal blue of the Maktoum household’s steady, Godolphin.
The worldwide steady, established in 1992, employs a choose group of British trainers, notably Charlie Appleby and Saeed bin Suroor, to steer their operation from headquarters.
Levey has donned the enduring silks once in a while and believes that each Ballydoyle and Godolphin’s experience and thoroughness have enabled them to keep up their prime place for such a very long time.
“I feel I’ve solely ever picked up rides for Saeed [bin Suroor]. Been positioned in a few listed races, and I’ve gained a few listed races. I additionally rode a listed winner for Richard [Hannon] with a two-year-old that he had skilled for Godolphin, so I’ve had the privilege of sporting the blue colors, and having winners in them,” Levey added.
Tennis information, scores and match outcomes plus chosen affords and competitions Subscribe Invalid e mail
We use your sign-up to supply content material in methods you have consented to and to enhance our understanding of you. This may occasionally embrace adverts from us and third events primarily based on our understanding. You possibly can unsubscribe at any time. Learn our Privateness Coverage
“They are a agency which have their group. I’ve simply been fortunate once in a while that the chance kind of offered itself, and I used to be put ahead. They’re an excellent group with excellent troopers besides. Their document sort of speaks for itself.
“Godolphin are… I feel they’ve each been within the recreation an extended, very long time. They have been breeding excellent horses for a very long time, and so they do not go away any stone unturned, the identical as Aidan does not go away any stone unturned, and consequently, they’re extraordinarily aggressive on the prime degree.”
Leave a Reply