Coincidence no. 13

Thirteen years ago, to the day, a horse called Galileo won the Epsom Derby. It was the first winner of Aidan O’Brien, son of the legendary trainer Vincent O’Brien. Aidan – no relation I may add – went on to become a distinguished trainer himself and had three more Derby winners to his name.

Thirteen years ago, to the day, my younger brother Andy and his wife were blessed with a son in Perth, where they live. Andy is no horse racing fan but the coincidence was too much for him to resist and he named his son Aidan.

This morning I called Aidan O’Brien in Perth and wished my nephew, now a strapping teenager, happy birthday. Surfing on my iPad, I discovered today too was Derby day and Aidan O’Brien will soon be back on the race course at Epsom. This time he is hoping to win with Galileo’s son.

To further the coincidence, riding Galileo’s son will be Aidan O’Brien’s son, now a young jockey.

What sent a tingling sensation down my spine was the name of the horse. Galileo’s son is called … Australia!

It’s a strange and happy coincidence, and has certainly made my Saturday. Have a good weekend!

Derek O’Brien
Member of Parliament
Chief Whip in the Rajya Sabha and National Spokesperson, Trinamool Congress