At thirty-three, Joseph O’Brien is already embarking on his eleventh season as a trainer. The son of the legendary Aidan O’Brien — himself a two-time winner of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, in 2007 with Dylan Thomas and in 2016 with Found — he is based in south-east Ireland, near Kilkenny, where he has around 200 horses in his care. Before becoming a trainer, he spent several years as a jockey, notably riding for his father.

As a trainer, he has already had one runner in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe: Al Riffa, who finished unplaced in 2024. As a jockey, his best result remains the fifth place he achieved aboard St Nicholas Abbey in 2011.

This year, he could saddle three-year-old filly Thundering On, winner of the Epsom Oaks, the British equivalent of the Prix de Diane Longines.

France Galop, organiser of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, invited journalists to a press conference today. Here are the main comments made by Joseph O’Brien:

His relationship with the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe

“It is obviously a very special race, a historic race, and one of the great events of the international Flat racing season. It is a real privilege to be able to take part. That was true when I was a jockey, and it is just as true today. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have horses good enough to run in this type of race every year. It is an extremely competitive race, both because it brings together some of the best horses in the world and because there are so many runners. In a major race featuring so many very good horses and such a large field, you need a horse that not only has a great deal of ability, but also the temperament required to cope with those conditions.”

On Thundering On’s participation

“I should first point out that no final decision has yet been made regarding her participation. We will discuss it with her connections. She also has the option of the Prix de l’Opéra, or she could wait for British Champions Day at Ascot two weeks later.

I think she has the qualities needed to take her chance: she has stamina as well as speed. She relaxes very well during her races and has a very good turn of foot.”

On the conditions that would suit her best

“I think that, in an ideal world, she would be at her best on ground slightly softer than good. She generally likes to come from the second half of the field. She has a good turn of foot. Her draw therefore should not be a major concern, whatever stall she is given.”

On her likely jockey

“We have not decided anything yet. Obviously, it would be great if Dylan Browne McMonagle were back, but we still need to see whether he receives medical clearance.”

Photo: Focus On Racing