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Ana O’Brien suffers multiple fractures after heavy fall at Killarney

Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023

Daughter of Aidan O'Brien hurt after heavy fall in mile handicap at Killarney on Tuesday

Ana O'Brien became only the third female jockey to ride in the Derby last month (Racingfotos.com)

Ana O’Brien, daughter of serial champion trainer Aidan, suffered multiple injuries after a heavy fall at Killarney on Tuesday evening.

It was reported about 11.25pm that the leading apprentice, who was airlifted from the track to Cork University Hospital,had a fractured vertebra on her neck and T6 in her back, plus both her cheek bones.

Mercifully, a brain scan was clear. The 21-year-old will have further MRI scans on Wednesday.

Dr Adrian McGoldrick, the Turf Club medical officer, was among those who attended O'Brien and suggested her recovery period could take three to four months.

"Ana's brain scan is clear," he said.

"She has a fractured C1 vertebra in her neck and T6 in her back. Both will have an MRI scan tomorrow to assess further. She has fractured cheek bones bilaterally. Aidan and AnneMarie (O'Brien) would like to thank the superb work provided to Ana by the Order Of Malta, racecourse doctors, veterinary team and ground staff led by Val O'Connell (clerk of the course). Also the Air Medical Crew and the amazing staff at CUH."

O'Brien was riding for her brother, Joseph, in the seven-runner Celtic Steps The Show At Killarney Racecourse Rated Race over a mile at 6.20pm when her mount, Druids Cross came down about two furlongs from home after another runner, St Gallen, ridden by Shane Foley, had brushed against them.

Druids Cross, who was fatally injured, crashed to the ground after either clipping heels with St Gallen or slipping up.

O’Brien, who last month became the third female jockey to ride in the Derby, was instantly thrown forwards.

Racing was delayed for well over an hour while O'Brien received medical attention. She was taken to Cork University Hospital by air ambulance at about 7.45pm.

Val O'Connell, clerk of the course, said the rider was conscious leaving the course.

The stewards enquired into possible interference inside the two furlong marker involving St Gallen, who went on to finish second, Druids Cross and three of the other runners.

Evidence was heard from the riders available. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the views, the stewards referred the matter to the Turf Club for further investigation.

O’Brien rode her first winner for her father aboard Fairylike at Dundalk in February 2013.

She has ridden 66 winners from 772 rides in Ireland. Her latest success was a runaway victory aboard Derby aspirant The Pentagon at the Curragh on Saturday.

Speaking before her ride in the Derby, in which she beat one home aboard 66-1 chance The Anvil, she said: "I think I've got stronger and improved this year.

O'Brien was taken away from Killarney by air ambulance (Racingfotos.com)

"It's my first full year riding out all the time and I think it's showing. I've finished college and that's allowed me to concentrate on my riding and I feel that's been a big help."

O'Brien Sr and his wife, Anne-Marie, have four children: Joseph, Sarah, Anastacia (known as Ana) and Donnacha. All have been or are jockeys, with weight problems leading Joseph to take up training like his record-breaking father, who has enjoyed more than 300 Group One triumphs.

Later on the Killarney card, the stewards received a complaint from trainer Keith Watson after he said his horse, St Killenagh, was hit by a drone while he was leading it around the parade before the 2m6f handicap chase.

Watson said that there could have been serious consequences and "would request that this matter be addressed as a matter of urgency".

The stewards referred the matter to the CEO of the Turf Club.

St Killenagh went on to run in the race but was pulled up, having started at 33-1.