One of O’Brien’s track riders was killed on Monday morning after a car struck a horse he was riding on Thirteenth Beach Road at Connewarre.
“It's with a heavy heart and tremendous grief that we confirm an incident that claimed the life of one our staff this morning,” O’Brien said in a statement.
"Our thoughts, prayers and support are with the family of our friend and colleague and all our team. We are completely heartbroken. We have had some tough days in this industry, but they are nothing compared to the heartbreak and sadness of today.
“We ask that the privacy of our staff to be respected as they come to terms with today's tragedy. It appears that the horse in question of the incident has only minor injuries, however our vet will continue monitoring its progress. Our owners of this horse have been notified.”
Such events make even the most significant races seem meaningless, but the O’Brien team still presented King of Leogrance in impeccable order befitting a $2.20 favourite, and the up-and-coming stayer did the rest in a highly impressive performance.
“With housemates and friends involved, everyone in the team is really cut deep,” stable representative Ben Gleeson said. “It’s been a pretty tough day, but everyone has done a really good job and kept their mind on the job.”
“It’s been a pretty tough day, but everyone has done a really good job and kept their mind on the job.” - Ben Gleeson
King of Leogrance was ridden to victory by Damian Lane, who eased back from a wide gate and settled in third-last, three-wide but with cover.
He rapidly improved his position coming down the side of the track towards the home turn, effortlessly cruising past horses and poised to pounce at the top of the straight.
Lane released the brakes after straightening and King of Leogrance let down powerfully, racing to victory by 2.25l from Good Idea (So You Think {NZ}) and Chouxting the Mob (NZ) (Jimmy Choux {NZ}).
“It’s a very difficult time for the stable and our hearts go out to them, but we still had to turn up and do our job today,” Lane said. “Luckily enough, this horse was able to do that.
“The only thing I really had to do was make sure he didn’t stop and wait for them – he just cantered up to them so easily.
“He’s such a progressive type. I’m sure he’ll be a good chance in whatever they set him for, whether it’s the Sydney Cup or the Andrew Ramsden to try to get into the Melbourne Cup. There’s no ceiling on him yet and he’s still improving.”
Another Adelaide Cup for Williams
King of Leogrance became the fourth Adelaide Cup winner for part-owner Lloyd Williams, nearly 40 years after his first.
Williams imported King of Leogrance from France, where he had won three races including the Listed Prix Vulcain.
After three placings in his first five Australian starts, King of Leogrance won the Listed Roy Higgins Quality at Flemington two weeks ago before going to another level in Adelaide.
“That was a soft win,” said Williams’ son and fellow owner Nick. “You have to give great credit to Damian, who had a bad barrier but didn’t panic. He sat three-wide with cover, then got a beautiful cart into the race, and the horse really showed his authority.
King of Leogrance (Fr)
“I think this win really goes out to all of the staff at Danny O’Brien’s. They’ve had a shocking day. Obviously this can’t make up for what happened this morning, but hopefully it cheers them up at least a little bit. It’s such a horrific thing to happen.”
“I think this win really goes out to all of the staff at Danny O’Brien’s." - Nick Williams
Williams said no firm plans have yet been made for King of Leogrance, but did not rule out giving him the chance to become the seventh Melbourne Cup winner in the famous Williams colours.
“We’re always dreaming about the Melbourne Cup,” he said. “We’ll get him home and then see what we do next. This was only his third run of this preparation.
“We might look at Sydney (Sydney Cup) in a month’s time, but we’ll see.”
