Joseph O’Brien: Nick Williams Said Rekindling Would Win Melbourne Cup

Winning the Melbourne Cup is really only sinking in now!

Melbourne Cup Glory
Lining up I really didn’t think Redkindling would win. Obviously we had hoped that he would run very well. He was in pretty good form but we never thought he’d win. We were hoping for a place in the first four or five.

In fairness to Nick Williams, he thought he had a great chance.

He kept telling me the month before the race that if he brought down his European form he could win it.

It’s been unbelievable over here. Obviously since the win there’s been a lot of media obligations but I’m nearly finished most of them now. There’s so much to do and horse racing gets a serious amount of attention here in Australia. It’s been an amazing experience.

I was at the Melbourne Cup ten years ago with my Father which is quite a while ago but to come back now as a trainer and win the race really is something else.

Rekindling came out of the race well. He’s staying in Australia for a little while to have a break and he’ll come back home maybe after Christmas at some stage.

Breeders’ Cup
It’s been a busy week for sure as I was at Del Mar for the Breeders’ Cup beforehand. My filly, Now You’re Talking, ran a good race in the Juvenile Fillies Turf. She got knocked down out of the gates and stayed on well in the finish.

It really was a great week with beautiful weather too. The Classic was a great race also and the winner, Gun Runner, is an exceptional horse, the real deal. It was a tough race, it always is!

I thought Mendelssohn in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf was brilliant. Ryan Moore gave him a great ride. He was in a great position for a good draw and he was the one that stood out for me from the European challenge at Del Mar.

Full Steam Ahead
I’ll be home in Ireland on Saturday, there’s some good racing at the weekend so I’m looking forward to getting back for that.

Le Richebourg had a great summer and is a horse to follow coming up to Christmas. Also, Early Doors, who won at Wexford last week is definitely another to keep an eye out for