Joseph and Donnacha: The O’Briens Set to Join the Festivities in Riyadh

Aidan’s sons will saddle several runners in pursuit of glory at the Saudi Cup meeting.

Donnacha O’Brien harbors high hopes / ARCHIVE

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (Special for Turf Diario).– The O’Brien surname is once again taking center stage on the international scene, this time with a Saudi flair. In the build-up to the latest edition of the Saudi Cup, the young Irish trainer Donnacha O’Brien is preparing for a special day at the imposing King Abdulaziz Racecourse, where this Saturday he will send out his first-ever runner in Saudi Arabia.

That representative is Comanche Brave (Sacred Falls), who will tackle the demanding 1351 Turf Sprint Presented by Qiddiya City (G2), a race boasting a $2 million purse. The gelding will be cutting back slightly in distance following a meritorious performance last weekend in Abu Dhabi.

There, the 4-year-old chestnut was a key protagonist in the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup (L-1600m), leaving a more than positive impression. The decision to travel to Riyadh was no improvisation. “He ran very well in Abu Dhabi. We had him entered in both races, and it was always the plan that if he performed as expected, we would come here as well,” explained O’Brien, just 27 years old, confirming that the roadmap had been drawn well in advance.

Far from showing signs of fatigue, Comanche Brave has offered encouraging signals in the days since. “He came out of the race great; he’s in top form, moving with plenty of energy. We see no reason not to give it a go,” added the trainer, who already knows the taste of major glory having secured a Breeders’ Cup victory as a conditioner.

The challenge on the Riyadh turf will involve a strategic change: a return to a shorter trip. And therein lies much of the expectation. “I’ve always wanted to drop him back to sprint distances. This is the first step in that direction. He has a lot of natural speed, and we hope that will allow us to see some improvement. On Saturday, we’ll learn a bit more about him,” said O’Brien, who will have none other than Ryan Moore in the irons—a guarantee of world-class expertise in these international fixtures.

But the story doesn’t end there. The Saudi Cup will have a distinct family feel for the O’Briens. While Donnacha seeks to pull off an upset in the sprint, his older brother, Joseph O’Brien, will also arrive with heavy artillery for the high-value meeting.

Joseph will saddle Sons And Lovers (Study of Man) and Tennessee Stud (Wootton Bassett) in the Red Sea Turf Handicap (G2), while Galen (Gleneagles) will contest the Neom Turf Cup (G1)—two maximum-intensity events with multi-million dollar purses that complete a high-voltage card.

“It’s fantastic to be here. The prize money is massive and the facilities are world-class. Fortunately, we both have horses to compete with, and that makes it all the more special,” acknowledged Donnacha, in a phrase that sums up the spirit of a family that has made horse racing its trademark.

In Riyadh, amidst the lights, the millions, and the high expectations, the O’Briens will write a new chapter. And Comanche Brave will attempt to ensure that Donnacha’s Saudi debut has a happy ending.