PROFILE: Thomas O’Brien was an Irishman. He was involved in the racetrack part of the industry. O’Brien was instrumental in setting up the post times. In 1979 Thomas O’Brien was added to the PIONEER section of the Hall of Fame.

HISTORY: Tom O’Brien started at the old St. Louis racetrack in the 1920’s under the teachings of the “Dean” of racetrack officials, Jack Fisher. The “Dean” made Tom the first uniformed lead out boy in the sport. As O’Brien learned he moved up the ladder of management. From 1935-1965 O’Brien served as presiding judge at both Tampa and Sarasota racetracks. From 1950 to 1966 O’Brien took over the duties of his teacher, Jack Fisher.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: It has been said that Tom O’Brien has presided over more than 50,000 official races. He was instrumental in the development of a strict post time schedule. O’Brien was known by many of his peers as the world’s greatest racing judge. Tom O’Brien was very mindful of the responsibility he had to the public in keeping the sport of greyhound racing honest. O’Brien was also genuinely interested in the welfare of the greyhounds.