FAIR HILL, Md.--Keith O'Brien, 57, who has deep roots in the sport, will be the assistant racing secretary for the National Steeplechase Association, working alongside longtime director or racing and racing secretary Bill Gallo.

Keith O'BrienO’Brien, who followed in the footsteps of his famous father, Leo O'Brien, as a jump jockey on the circuit from 1991 to 1996, joined the NSA Race Office part time Oct. 13, and will begin full-time in early November.

O’Brien, who grew up in racing and most recently served as a regional manager for the Jockey’s Guild in New York, will relocate from his Long Island, N.Y. home to Fair Hill, Md., the NSA’s headquarters.

In his capacity with The Guild, O’Brien was a liaison between riders, racetrack management, and horsemen, facilitating communication among the various groups; he was also responsible for ensuring that best safety practices were followed.

Prior to that position, O’Brien was a horse trainer, working with his father, Leo, from 1997 to 2022, when the elder O’Brien retired.

A native County Kildare, Ireland, Leo O’Brien, built a successful career as one of New York’s leading conditioners since coming stateside, initially as a jump jockey, in 1964.

 

AMONG LEO'S standouts were the legendary Fourstardave, immortalized as the Sultan of Saratoga for having won at the Spa for eight straight years; Fourstars Allstar, who crossed the Atlantic in 1991 to win the fabled Irish 2,000 guineas and in 1993 ran third in the Breeder’s Cup Mile; New York-bred graded stakes-winning fillies Irish Actress and Irish Linnet; and Yanks Music, the champion 3-year-old filly of 1990.

 O’Brien was one of three finalists for the NSA job from an extensive list of applicants.

Besides working hand-in-hand with Gallo, O’Brien will be involved in the daily operation of the office with business manager Rosella Hunter and Emma Cary, assistant to the Director of Racing.

“Beyond his connection to the sport, Keith brings a unique combination of skills to the position,” Gallo said. “He is soft spoken, with a calm demeanor that is necessary in this role, and has a fundamental passion and understanding of racing that is imperative to the growth and future success of the sport. As a ROAP accredited steward, he will also bring balance and strength to the regulatory side of the Association. I look forward to Keith joining the team and feel certain that he will advance quickly in this position.”

“I am thrilled to be joining the NSA team,” O’Brien said. “It represents a full circle moment for me. Steeplechase racing has always been present in my life and the opportunity to become an integral part of the regulatory team for the National Steeplechase Association is a great honor. I look forward to working in all facets of the game. I am committed to the continued growth and prosperity of steeplechasing and I intend to devote myself fully to the tasks required.”