In his first Breeders' Cup, Joseph O'Brien became the youngest rider to win the prestigious race on St. Nicholas Abbey; the horse named in honour of Barbados' oldest Jacobean plantation home.

St Nicholas Abbey (13 April 2007 foaled) is a thoroughbred racehorse trained by Aidan O'Brien. He won Beresford Stakes and Racing Post Trophy in his two year old career, making him Europe's champion two year old. He started a short-priced favourite in the 2,000 Guineas Stakes, but only finished sixth in what would be his only three year old start. Returning as a four year old in 2011, he was surprisingly beaten in the Alleged Stakes, but showed he retained his high class when easily winning the Ormonde Stakes and followed up by winning the Coronation Cup from Midday.