John Oxx

John M. Oxx (born 14 July 1950) is a leading Irish trainer of thoroughbred racehorses. By the end of the 2009 season Oxx had trained 35 Group One winners over his career, including the winners of 11 Classic races. He is best known as the trainer of Sinndar and Sea The Stars.

Oxx has been widely praised for the care and undemonstrative authority with which he approaches the training and racing of his horses. He is particularly known for being highly selective when choosing when and where his horses will run.

Family background, education and early training

John Oxx is the son of John Oxx Sr., who was himself a successful trainer, winning eight Irish classic races. In 1950 Oxx's father purchased Currabeg, at the southwestern end of the Curragh in County Kildare, from where Oxx still trains. Oxx graduated from University College, Dublin, as a veterinary surgeon in 1973. He worked as his father's assistant before taking over the stable in 1979. In that year he had his first win and his first Group win with Orchestra.