The O’Sullivan name is synonymous with excellence in thoroughbred racing.
Hall of Fame member Lance O'Sullivan exemplified that in his career as a champion jockey, with a record tally of New Zealand premierships and major wins not only in New Zealand but also in Australia, Japan and Hong Kong.
Lance is a son of that doyen of New Zealand training, Wexford Stables founder Dave O’Sullivan, and the brother of multiple New Zealand champion trainer Paul O’Sullivan.
In 2004 Paul became the first New Zealand trainer to be awarded a contract with the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Upon Paul's departure, it was decided that Lance would take over the reins at Wexford, with his Father, Dave, helping him to adjust to training. Lance admits that the satisfaction he gets from watching the horses he’s trained win is far greater than when he was riding, now having a deeper appreciation for the work that goes into getting a horse to a race.
In 2003, Lance was made 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 New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame and in 2016 was inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame.
As well as overseeing the day-to-day business operation, Lance is actively involved with the yearling selections and puts his riding expertise to good use on the training track.
