Jacqueline O’Brien, widow of Vincent O’Brien, and matriarch of a family with intensive racing and bloodstock interests, has died aged 89.

A statement issued from the family said she passed away peacefully, surrounded by those that were close to her.

Born in Western Australia, she had no knowledge of horses or racing when she toured Ireland all those years ago.

When she first met Vincent, her husband to be, he was a prominent jumps jockey, he loved nothing more than riding to hounds.

She proved a great asset to Vincent, setting up the stable at Ballydoyle, carved out of the green heart of County Tipperary.

Together with Ivor Herbert, she wrote Vincent O‘Brien, The Official Biography (2006), a unique insight to the mind and methods of her husband, the most influential personality in the history of Irish racing and breeding in the 20^th century.

She also documented the colourful history of her ancestors in On We Go, the Wittennoom Way (2009).

She is survived by three daughters, Elizabeth, Susan, Jane and sons, David and Charles.