Sad death of Jacqueline O'Brien, wife of Vincent O'Brien

Tributes have been paid to Jacqueline O'Brien, widow of Vincent O'Brien, after her death was announced at the age of 89.

She died early on Tuesday morning in a hospital in Dublin. Her husband, who passed away in 2009, aged 92, was a colossus of the training scene, creating the Ballydoyle dynasty and dominating National Hunt racing before turning his attentions to the Flat.

Daughter of a distinguished Australian politician, Jacqueline O'Brien (nee Wittenoom) played a key role in her husband's record-breaking career.

Denis Egan, chief executive of the Irish Turf Club, said: "It's very sad news. She was a lovely lady who lived life right up to the end."

Horse Racing Ireland chief executive Brian Kavanagh said: "It's very poignant on the opening day of Cheltenham, a place that Jacqueline and Vincent were so closely associated with for many years.

"She was a wonderful lady, an institution in Irish racing for decades. Deepest sympathies to the family, she was an absolute joy to have anything to do with, a wonderful fund raiser behind the scenes for worthy causes and very passionate about the family, her husband and all the successes they've had.

"It's a really sad day. She was much more than just the wife of Vincent O'Brien, in her own right she was a fantastic lady - a very talented photographer, very talented fund raiser, philanthropist and a key member of the Ballydoyle team through the golden years.

"It's a sad way to start the meeting, but perhaps some poignancy about it."

Married in 1951, the O'Briens had two sons, David, trainer of Derby winner Secreto, and Charles, and three daughters, Elizabeth, Susan and Jane.

Susan married John Magnier, the current supremo of the Coolmore stud operation.

The Vincent O'Brien County Handicap Hurdle is staged at Cheltenham on Friday, where Charles O'Brien is due to run Henry Higgins.