Lance O’Sullivan
From Champion Jockey to Wexford Stables’ Guiding Force
The name O’Sullivan is etched in the annals of our racing history, synonymous with excellence and achievement. At the heart of this legacy stands Lance O’Sullivan, a man whose journey from champion jockey to esteemed trainer embodies the very spirit of thoroughbred racing in our nation.
A Racing Pedigree
Born on 28 August 1963, Lance O’Sullivan was destined for greatness in the racing world. As the son of Hall of Fame trainer Dave O’Sullivan, founder of Wexford Stables, Lance grew up immersed in the world of thoroughbreds. The O’Sullivan family’s connection to Wexford Stables dates back to 1961 when Dave established the stable, naming it after what he believed was his ancestral home in Ireland.
Record-Breaking Riding Career
Lance’s riding career began with a bang on 12 June 1980 when he piloted Her Highness to victory in the Arapuni Handicap at Te Awamutu. This win, aboard a horse trained by his father, was a fitting start to what would become a legendary career in the saddle.
Over the next two decades, Lance would dominate the jockey ranks, amassing an incredible 2358 winners on home soil and a further 121 victories overseas. His talent took him to racecourses in Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Singapore, and even Turkey. Lance’s crowning achievement as a jockey came in the form of 12 Jockey’s Premierships, breaking Bill Broughton’s long-standing record of 11.
Among his 62 Group 1 victories, perhaps the most memorable was his triumph aboard Horlicks in the 1989 Japan Cup, where they broke the world record for 2400m. While the Melbourne Cup eluded him, Lance came agonisingly close in 1985 with Koiro Corrie May, and he found redemption in 1991 when he guided Surfers Paradise to victory in the Cox Plate.
Transition to Training
In 2003, Lance hung up his riding boots, but his passion for racing remained undiminished. Despite initially swearing he’d never train, fate had other plans. When his brother Paul accepted a contract with the Hong Kong Jockey Club in 2004, Lance found himself at a crossroads. At 39, he felt too young to retire completely and missed the excitement of racing.
Thus began Lance’s new chapter at Wexford Stables, taking over the reins of the family business. With guidance from his father Dave, Lance made the transition from jockey to trainer, discovering a new level of satisfaction in the process.
Success in the Training Ranks
Lance’s success as a trainer came swiftly. In 2006, just two years into his training career, he secured his first Group 1 win as a trainer with Pentane in the Auckland Cup. This victory was a clear indication that Lance’s expertise extended beyond the saddle.
In the years that followed, Lance formed a formidable partnership with Andrew Scott. Together, they have continued to build on Wexford Stables’ legacy, producing a string of top-class performers. Their notable successes include:
- Rocket Spade: Winner of the 2021 Derby
- Dark Destroyer: Victor in the 2022 Tarzino Trophy
- Asterix: Triumphant in the 2022 Derby
- Molly Bloom: Champion of the 2023 1000 Guineas
The Wexford Philosophy
Under Lance’s leadership, Wexford Stables has maintained its position as one of the most successful stables in our racing history. The stable’s philosophy centres on three key pillars:
- Communication: Keeping owners updated every step of the way
- Expertise: Leveraging over 30 years of experience in the racing industry
- Results: Consistently producing top-class performers
Lance’s hands-on approach sees him actively involved in yearling selections, and he puts his riding expertise to good use on the training track. This blend of experience from both sides of the fence gives Wexford Stables a unique edge in preparing horses for success.
A Legacy Honoured
Lance’s contributions to racing have not gone unnoticed. In 2003, he was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to thoroughbred racing. In 2006, he was part of the inaugural class inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame, a honour he shares with his father Dave. Further recognition came in 2016 when Lance was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame.
Looking to the Future
As Wexford Stables continues to evolve under Lance’s guidance, the future looks bright. The stable’s recent successes with horses like Asterix show that the O’Sullivan magic is still very much alive. Lance’s journey from champion jockey to successful trainer serves as an inspiration to many in the industry, proving that excellence can be achieved in multiple facets of the racing world.
In conclusion, Lance O’Sullivan’s tenure at Wexford Stables represents a seamless continuation of a proud family legacy. His transition from the saddle to the trainer’s box has been marked by the same dedication, skill, and passion that defined his riding career. As Wexford Stables moves forward under his stewardship, it remains a cornerstone of our racing industry, producing champions and shaping the future of thoroughbred racing in our country.