JONJO O'NEILL RACING
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NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2020

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BLUE SKIES AHEAD

Hello and best wishes to all of you during these challenging times.

The Cheltenham Festival seems a long time ago now with so much happening, but everyone's safety and health is everything we should all be thinking about at this time. I hope you are all coping in isolation and watching lots of racing replays!

​We all have to adapt, be resolute and stay positive as this won't last forever and we will hopefully be back to some kind of normality quicker than we think. 

It's all a little different and quieting down here at Jackdaws Castle. Many of the horses are due to go out for an early summer holiday. This gives us an opportunity to give the yard and gallops its annual spring clean earlier than we normally do. We will be cracking on with that very soon.

I would like to say a huge thank you to all of my team who have been fantastic during this difficult time, and complied with all the government rules. Thank you also to my family Jacqui, Jonj, AJ, Joe and Jojo for putting their shoulder to the wheel. AJ turns 21 on Monday and might be lucky enough to escape being thrown in the swimming pool!

It's been a sad few weeks with the loss of three wonderful men. Reg Lomas was the former groundsman at both Cheltenham and Stratford and was a great man. He was a wonderful friend and supporter of my family and I. All of our thoughts are with Elizabeth and family at this time.
This was followed by the loss of Peter Beaumont. Peter was a true gentleman and great trainer, winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1993 with Jodami. His grandson Henry has been a huge part of the team here and our thoughts are with him and his mother Anthea.
Last, and by no means least, it was shocking to hear of the passing of Paul Townend after contracting this horrible virus. He was loved by so many people and our thoughts and wishes are with Geraldine, Oliver and Ben.

With the season being cut short, the Champions of Jump Racing were announced this week. I am hugely proud of Jonjo Jr. for picking up the Conditional Jockeys' title. We see how hard he works every day and his dedication has paid off. 

Congratulations to Champion Jockey Brian Hughes for taking my reign and becoming the first northern jockey to win the championship in 40 years, Nicky Henderson for another trainers' title and to JP McManus for winning the Owners' Champion title for the 12th time. He is the most unbelievable supporter of National Hunt Racing in the UK & Ireland.

I, along with 4.5 million others, very much enjoyed the Virtual Grand National on Saturday. It was great to see Don't Push It finish in the top 5 of the legends race. Personally I think AP went to the front too soon on him! Well done to ITV,  all the creators and bookmakers, it  was fantastic to raise over £2.6 million for the amazing NHS.

So for now I wish you all a Happy Easter and the very best of health. Please stay safe, stay strong, look out for people less fortunate and let's hope this is all over soon. 

​Best wishes, 

JUMP RACING TO BREAK UNTIL JULY 

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has announced that it will delay the resumption of jump racing until the beginning of July. This decision was made following an initial proposal from the National Trainers Federation (NTF), with the aim being to provide clarity to the trainers and owners of jump horses and to assist them in minimising any unnecessary expenditure.

You can read the full press release by clicking HERE.

JONJO JR. WINS CONDITIONAL JOCKEY TITLE

We are all immensely proud of Jonjo O'Neill Jr. winning the  Champion Conditional Jockey title this week. 

He's had a brilliant season with 61 winners!

DON'T PUSH IT ANNIVERSARY!

Friday 10th April marks 10 years since Don't Push brought us one of our greatest days we have had in racing.

It was the first Grand National victory for Jonjo, AP McCoy and JP McManus, so it was very special. 

Here is the end of the race so you can relive it once again, and also a some photos of the incredible memories that we cherish.

WASDELL PRODUCTION DURING PANDEMIC

​Our yard sponsor, the Wasdell Group, is a specialist pharmaceutical manufacturer and packaging company and is currently playing a vital role in the international effort to combat the Covid-19 pandemic. The group is working flat-out at all its facilities to maintain the supply chain of pharmaceutical and health products to all its customers.

Rigorous steps have been taken to safe-guard the work-force’s welfare and to ensure that sufficient numbers of staff are available to keep the production lines going. Protective clothing and a raft of sanitising products are in use throughout all the facilities in Swindon, Newcastle, Wellingborough and Dundalk which has enabled the Group to maintain and enhance its production levels.

Wasdell is now manufacturing sanitising products which it has been distributing to doctors’ surgeries to help in the fight against the virus.
Martin Tedham tells us that teams of specialists in the facilities have been split, with some working in the office and some working at home to reduce the risk of infection and the possible disruption to production, which  might be caused by the planning and quality departments being disrupted by illness. All efforts are being made to maintain production levels of vital supplies in the fight against coronavirus.

ONE SHARE REMAINING IN HENRY GONDOFF

We have ⅙ share remaining in Henry Gondoff, son of Great Pretender from the family of Grand National winner Red Marauder.

​Henry is a big raw 5-year-old who will make a lovely chaser in time and he should be able to go and win his bumper next season.

Please email us on pa@jonjooneillracing.com for further information.

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

Congratulations to Jon Dina who is the Employee of the Month for March. Jon works incredibly hard around the yard and managing the spa, and is an integral part of the team here at Jackdaws Castle.

Jon receiving his award from Jacqui, while keeping a safe distance!

Jon leading up Palmers Hill at Cheltenham. Jonjo Jr's first ever winner at the course!

How long have you been at Jonjo O'Neill Racing?
I have been here since September 2015. I come from Romania and am building a house over there which my dad is looking after.

What is your favourite part of the job?
I love it all. I started as a general yard person but now look after the spa. I swim horses most days and also help Johnny [Kavanagh] feeding at the weekends.

What is your best moment in racing so far?
My best moment in racing is back in November 2018 when my horse Palmers Hill gave Jonjo Jr. his first win at Cheltenham. It was such an amazing feeling and a great day!

What do you hope to achieve in racing?
I would love for one of the horses I look after to  win a race at the Cheltenham or Aintree Festivals. They are the biggest meetings and I think it would be incredible. I have led up 3 winners at Cheltenham but never at The Festival. It's my favourite racecourse.

SOCIAL MEDIA

We are doing our best to entertain you all on our social media channels sharing all sorts of things including quizzes, race replays and everything that is going on here at Jackdaws during the pandemic. 

We have also created a Youtube channel where we will post videos. 

Please give us a follow on all of them if you're not already! Here are all the links. 

Twitter
twitter.com/JonjoONeill

Facebook
​​facebook.com/JonjoONeillRacing

Instagram
instagram.com/jonjooneillracing

Youtube
youtube.com/channel

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY DOC!

Congratulations to Madalin Radu (Doc) who on the 24th of this month celebrates 5 years of working here at Jackdaws Castle!
We feel very fortunate to have had him as part of the team for so long. 

Doc is our assistant groundsman, drives the horsebox and also rides out.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

April is a busy month for birthdays here at Jackdaws Castle!

Happy birthday to...

11th April
Sydney Smith

13th April
Jonjo O'Neill
AJ O'Neill
Federico Bazan 
Georgia Plumb

18th April
Megan Petrie

19th April
Cath Plumstead

29th April
Karina Amores

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