Danny O'Brien

Danny O’Brien: A True Master of the Turf

Over the past two decades, Danny O’Brien has firmly established himself as one of Australia’s finest and most successful thoroughbred trainers. His exceptional training methods and ability to consistently place horses in winning positions have made him one of the most respected names in the industry. Danny’s incredible strike rate, honed through years of dedication and expertise, has earned him a reputation as one of the country’s most formidable trainers.

A Childhood Surrounded by Horses

Danny’s passion for horses began long before he became a trainer. Growing up on a horse-breeding property in Kyabram, Victoria, Danny’s early exposure to racing and horses ignited a lifelong love for the sport. He went on to complete his schooling at Xavier College, followed by a law and economics degree at Melbourne University. However, Danny’s heart was always set on racing, and he wasted no time in pursuing his true passion.

After gaining invaluable experience working alongside Australian racing legends such as Bart Cummings and as a foreman for Caulfield trainer James Riley, Danny’s training career began in earnest at just 25 years old. In 1995, he secured his training licence and set up his operation at Epsom, starting with just one horse, Mad Hatter. That very horse delivered Danny his first metropolitan win at Sandown on Boxing Day 1995, and set him on the path to becoming one of Australia’s most successful trainers.

A Career Built on Consistency and Success

Danny’s training philosophy has always been about placing his horses in the right races at the right time, which has resulted in a remarkable array of victories, including numerous Group 1 and Stakes wins across the country. Horses such as Glamour Puss, Master O’Reilly, Star Witness, Shamrocker, Shamexpress, and Shamus Award have become household names under his stewardship.

Among his many achievements, Danny made history in 2005 by becoming the first trainer in over a century to win both the SAJC Goodwood Handicap and the Adelaide Cup Group 1 races in the same year. In 2007, he made another historic achievement, training the quinella in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup, with Master O’Reilly defeating stablemate Douro Valley — a feat not seen in 25 years. His ability to train horses that perform on the international stage has also garnered him worldwide recognition, taking Glamour Puss to the Global Sprint Challenge in England, and sending Douro Valley and Valedictum to Sha Tin in Hong Kong for the International Day.

One of Danny’s finest moments came in 2013 when he trained Shamus Award to an extraordinary win in the Cox Plate, becoming the first maiden in the race’s 91-year history to win Australasia's most prestigious weight-for-age race. Shamus Award’s victory marked a milestone in O’Brien’s career, proving his knack for bringing out the best in his horses at just the right moment.

The O’Brien Training Operation: World-Class Facilities and Expertise

At the heart of Danny’s success is his unwavering commitment to his horses and his continuous drive for improvement. His training facilities at Flemington Racecourse — Australia’s premier racing venue — and his private training complex at Barwon Heads, less than 100km from Melbourne, form the backbone of his operation. These state-of-the-art facilities provide the perfect environment for horses to thrive and reach their full potential.

Danny’s impressive track record, combined with his "hands-on" approach and his ability to build a cohesive and professional team around him, has attracted the support of major sponsors, including Emirates, who have partnered with him to promote the sport of thoroughbred racing in Australia.

The Valuable Partnership with Starblue Consultancy

Our collaboration with Danny O'Brien Racing has already yielded tremendous success, and we are excited about the future. The shared philosophy between Starblue Consultancy and Danny O'Brien Racing ensures that we provide the very best for our clients and horses. As we continue to expand, we look forward to working with Danny and his team to further elevate our stable’s success, knowing that we are in the hands of one of the most talented trainers in the country.

As Adrien Senechaud, Director of Starblue Consultancy, shared:

"The partnership between Starblue Consultancy and Danny O’Brien Racing has already proven highly successful. Danny’s expertise and the results his stable consistently delivers align perfectly with our vision for excellence. We are excited to continue growing together and achieving even greater things."

Race with Us and Champion Trainer Danny O’Brien!

Joining forces with Danny O’Brien Racing means you’re aligning with a trainer who knows what it takes to get to the top and stay there. With a proven history of success, both on the domestic and international stage, and a commitment to excellence in every aspect of training, Danny O’Brien is the perfect partner for those serious about racing. Race with us, and experience the winning edge that comes from being part of a world-class training operation.