JUNE 2024
May and June are predominantly quieter months. It's a time when many of the horses are enjoying their holidays out in the field, lots of the team have a much-deserved break and the yard gets a spring clean.
This year we have been keeping ourselves a little busier on the racecourse and (at the time of writing this) have sent out 78 runners and are sitting in 3rd place in the Trainer's Championship and have surpassed £100,000 in prize money! We have enjoyed 10 winners since we last spoke which you can read about below.
We have just returned from the Goffs Arkle sale in Ireland, where we bought another two unbroken 3-year-olds an Order Of St George & Nirvana Du Berlais who are being broken in and looking for owners alongside the Order Of St George who we bought at Doncaster in May. To see more about these exciting purchases see below in the Horses for Sale section.
Here's hoping it warms up very soon!
Best wishes,
Jonjo & AJ
RECENT WINNERS
PYFFO WINS NICELY AT FONTWELL
JUNE 12
Pyffo and Richie McLernon avoided a final hurdle scare to win well at Fontwell, taking us over £100,000 in prize money for the 2024/25 season!
Many congratulations to owner Andy Ralph!
Many congratulations to owner Andy Ralph!
Pyffo with Richie and Ben after winning at Fontwell
Les Brewin, Martin Tedham our sponsor, Jonjo, Andy Ralph and Jody Langford having fun at the races
SAYVA IMPRESSES AT BANGOR
JUNE 8
Sayva ran out an impressive winner on his second start in the Bumper at Bangor under a brilliant ride by Richie McLernon.
We are absolutely thrilled for owners Lynne and Angus Maclennan & John and Judith Murray!
We are absolutely thrilled for owners Lynne and Angus Maclennan & John and Judith Murray!
Sayva with Richie and John in the winner's enclosure at Bangor
Owners Lynne and Angus Maclennan & family, with John & Judith Murray here at Jackdaws
WALK OF NO SHAME WINS AT WORCESTER
JUNE 1
Walk Of No Shame returned to the winner's enclosure with a hearty victory at Worcester, under a powerful Jonjo Jr. ride.
Huge congratulations to owners Paul Taiano and Michael Nixon.
Huge congratulations to owners Paul Taiano and Michael Nixon.
Walk Of No Shame and Jonjo Jr. on their way to victory
Image: Nigel Kirby
Image: Nigel Kirby
Joint owner Paul Taiano with Jonjo
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Jonjo with Chloe and Michael Nixon at the Betfred Derby where we celebrated Walk Of no Shame's victory
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BOB BOB RICARD TAKES TO FENCES AT FFOS LAS
MAY 30
Bob Bob Ricard got his nose in front for the first time on his debut over fences at Ffos Las, in the hands of Jonjo Jr.
We are thrilled for Paul and Sharon Downing! Bob Bob Ricard is named after their favourite restaurant in London, who shared the win on their socials media!
We are thrilled for Paul and Sharon Downing! Bob Bob Ricard is named after their favourite restaurant in London, who shared the win on their socials media!
All smiles! Bob Bob Ricard with Chloe, Alex H, Alex P, Jonj and Aaron
Paul and Sharon earlier in the season with Chris Hughes
Bob Bob Ricard and Jonj getting up to win at Ffos Las this afternoon.
— Jonjo O'Neill (@JonjoONeill) May 30, 2024
□ courtesy of @AtTheRaces pic.twitter.com/aWLto4y6Hc
CAWTHORNE BANKER WINS AT FONTWELL
MAY 26
Cawthorne Banker and Jonjo Jr. brought up our tenth winner of the new season in fine style at Fontwell.
We are delighted for owner Eric Brook who has given us two of our ten winners!
We are delighted for owner Eric Brook who has given us two of our ten winners!
Cawthorne Banker and Jonjo at Fontwell
Image: Darren Cool Images
Image: Darren Cool Images
COLLECTORS ITEM RETURNS TO WINNING WAYS AT UTTOXETER
MAY 18
Collectors Item rekindled his form with a lovely victory at Uttoxeter under a superb ride by Richie McLernon.
Huge congratulations to Ray, Les, Eric, John, Peter, Julia, Gavin, Kathryn and Nathan of Jackdaws Antiques!
Huge congratulations to Ray, Les, Eric, John, Peter, Julia, Gavin, Kathryn and Nathan of Jackdaws Antiques!
John, Eric, Les, Ray and sponsor Paul Yellend celebrating Collectors Item's win at Uttoxeter
SPITALFIELD GETS OFF THE MARK AT FFOS LAS
MAY 15
Spitalfield got his nose in front for the first time with a stylish victory at Ffos Las in the hands of Jonjo Jr.
We are absolutely delighted for owner Mairead Liston. Mairead has been an owner with me since my time up in Cumbria and we are all absolutely thrilled for her!
We are absolutely delighted for owner Mairead Liston. Mairead has been an owner with me since my time up in Cumbria and we are all absolutely thrilled for her!
Spitalfield with Jonj, Alex, Jack and owner Mairead Liston in the winner's enclosure at Ffos Las
No catching Spitalfield as he cruises home at @FfosLasRC for the @JonjoONeill, @AJONeill12 and @JJONeillJnr... pic.twitter.com/C4cx9EGBuV
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 15, 2024
TRAPISTA AND JAXONNE BRING UP A DOUBLE AT LUDLOW
MAY 12
Trapista completed a hat-trick in style in a thrilling finish under a strong ride by Jonjo Jr in the green and gold silks of JP McManus.
This was followed up shortly after when Jaxonne got of the mark in style at Ludlow, winning by a comfortable 12 lengths!
We are thrilled for owner Eric Brook!
This was followed up shortly after when Jaxonne got of the mark in style at Ludlow, winning by a comfortable 12 lengths!
We are thrilled for owner Eric Brook!
Jaxonne with with Heather (Eric’s daughter), Bobby, Jonj and Heather’s partner John after completing the double.
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Trapista with AJ, Liah and Jonj
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TIME FOR A PINT WINS AT WARWICK
MAY 11
Time For A Pint coasted to victory at Warwick in the hands of Ben Macey.
Huge congratulations to Craig, Carole, Chloe & Olivia . It was Chloe’s 16th birthday, so we hope that was the perfect present to be there watching him win!
Huge congratulations to Craig, Carole, Chloe & Olivia . It was Chloe’s 16th birthday, so we hope that was the perfect present to be there watching him win!
Time For A Pint with Carole, Chloe, Ben, Alex and Craig.
Birthday girl Chloe leading Time For A Pint into the winner's enclosure
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And enjoying a glass of champagne in the Owner's Suite before heading off to Warwick
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HORSES ON THEIR HOLIDAYS
We have over 50 horses enjoying the summer in the fields here at Jackdaws Castle. They get fed and checked every day and it's a lovely change to see them out relaxing in the fields in their groups.
It was wonderful to share some beautiful moments with our owners last weekend, taking them out to the fields to see their horses on their holidays.
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EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Many congratulations to Kayanna Pilgrim who has been awarded our Employee of the Month for her wonderful attitude and great work ethic!
While still studying for her GCSEs, Kayanna went to the Riding Dream Academy in Newmarket that was inspired by Khadijah Mellah and gives diverse communities, underprivileged backgrounds and urban equestrian centres a chance to get involved in horse racing.
After finishing school, she returned to Newmarket for a 12-week course at the British Racing School, before arriving here at Jackdaws Castle in November 2023.
Kayanna wins a dinner, bed & breakfast two-night stay at any of the Jupiter Hotel portfolio of Mercure Hotels.
A huge thank you to Chris Ford and Accor for their generous sponsorship of our Employee of the Month which gives the members of our team a wonderful experience.
UPCOMING SALES
DERBY SALE
26-27 JUNE 2024
The Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale continues to be the leading National Hunt Store Sale anywhere in the world, and this year marks the 50th anniversary of the sale.
As a select sale, their inspectors handpick the best individuals with pedigrees to match, resulting in a catalogue that is supreme in quality. The 49 previous editions of the Derby Sale has produced 216 individual Grade 1 winning graduates, who between them have won a total of 364 Grade 1 races.
ARQANA SUMMER SALE
1-4 JULY, 2024
AJ will once again be heading over to France for the Arqana Summer Sale.
It's an exiting sale with 2-year-old stores as well as horses in training up for grabs in a beautiful part of the world, so we always really enjoy heading over there!
THE FIRST PRIZE OF THE NEW PARTNERSHIP!
Jonjo and AJ proudly displaying their first winning trainers' trophy after Wilful's victory at Hexham on the first day of the new season for Jim and Fitri Hay.
Jim Hay with his daughter Lauren (centre) and his horses at Jackdaws
Nicely done!
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 4, 2024
Wilful is the first winner under the joint licence of @JonjoONeill and @AJONeill12 at @HexhamRaces... pic.twitter.com/DX64WYjCIk
HORSES FOR SALE
HAWTHORN STREET
A fine chasing type by top National Hunt sire Flemensfirth, sire of the likes of Imperial Commander, Tornado Flyer and Tidal Bay, who won his second Point-to-Point start in powerful fashion.
His first start can be easily forgiven as he was too green to get involved in the contest, but he put that experience to good use second time out galloping on strongly up the stiff hill at Tinahely to win by 3½-lengths from some very well-regarded opponents. The way that Hawthorn Street galloped through the line all the way to the top of the hill at Tinahely was typical of a powerful Flemensfirth galloper who will mature with time into an exciting staying chaser.
His pedigree suggests similar since it contains Irish Grand National winner Thunder And Roses and Kerry Grand National winner Wrath Of Titans.
40% share = £72,800 (+VAT)
Or
2 x 20% shares = £36,400 (+VAT)
His first start can be easily forgiven as he was too green to get involved in the contest, but he put that experience to good use second time out galloping on strongly up the stiff hill at Tinahely to win by 3½-lengths from some very well-regarded opponents. The way that Hawthorn Street galloped through the line all the way to the top of the hill at Tinahely was typical of a powerful Flemensfirth galloper who will mature with time into an exciting staying chaser.
His pedigree suggests similar since it contains Irish Grand National winner Thunder And Roses and Kerry Grand National winner Wrath Of Titans.
40% share = £72,800 (+VAT)
Or
2 x 20% shares = £36,400 (+VAT)
UN-NAMED
Order of St George ex Gorgeous Kate
Order of St George ex Gorgeous Kate
A three year-old gelding who is a quality specimen with class and style, plus a forward-going attitude.
He is by Ireland’s most exciting young National Hunt stallion Order Of St George, who has already produced numerous impressive Four Year-Old Point-to-Point Maiden winners and Bumper Winners and furthermore this gelding comes from a superb female family. His dam is a full-sister to Grade-1 Challow Hurdle winner Captain Cutter and a half-sister to resilient black-type hurdler Gowel Road. Under the second dam is one of the past stars of Jackdaws’ Castle Albertas Run who just under one million pounds in prize money for Jonjo including three victories at the Cheltenham Festival.
50% sold.
50% available at £23,000 (+VAT)
He is by Ireland’s most exciting young National Hunt stallion Order Of St George, who has already produced numerous impressive Four Year-Old Point-to-Point Maiden winners and Bumper Winners and furthermore this gelding comes from a superb female family. His dam is a full-sister to Grade-1 Challow Hurdle winner Captain Cutter and a half-sister to resilient black-type hurdler Gowel Road. Under the second dam is one of the past stars of Jackdaws’ Castle Albertas Run who just under one million pounds in prize money for Jonjo including three victories at the Cheltenham Festival.
50% sold.
50% available at £23,000 (+VAT)
UN-NAMED
Nirvana Du Berlais ex Venerie
Nirvana Du Berlais ex Venerie
A strong, tough 3-year-old chesnut filly who came well recommended from proven consignors Carrigeen Bloodstock.
She is a half-sister to this year’s progressive Scottish Grand National winner Macdermott who will be contesting top chases next season, so her pedigree will continue to grow and improve with her future as a broodmare in mind. Furthermore the second dam has produced multiple Graded winning French hurdler Ambroise whose unraced three year-old half-sister Garnetot is reportedly highly regarded in France and will run this coming autumn.
This filly looks like her sire, Nirvana Du Berlais, who was a Grade-1 winner at Auteuil and has his first runners on the track this year.
£34,000 (+VAT)
She is a half-sister to this year’s progressive Scottish Grand National winner Macdermott who will be contesting top chases next season, so her pedigree will continue to grow and improve with her future as a broodmare in mind. Furthermore the second dam has produced multiple Graded winning French hurdler Ambroise whose unraced three year-old half-sister Garnetot is reportedly highly regarded in France and will run this coming autumn.
This filly looks like her sire, Nirvana Du Berlais, who was a Grade-1 winner at Auteuil and has his first runners on the track this year.
£34,000 (+VAT)
UN-NAMED
Order Of St George ex Baraza
Order Of St George ex Baraza
Stallion Order Of St George is the young Irish National Hunt stallion that is producing exciting early results with his progeny thus far in Irish Point-to-Points and under rules with his first crop of runners. Winner of the Ascot Gold Cup and twice crowned Champion Stayer, Order Of St George is transmitting his toughness and resilience into his progeny.
This 3-year-old gelding is tall and athletic like many of the sire’s stock out of a dam who is proven producer. Her son Yeah Man is already a Grade-3 winner over fences and will contest more big chases next season while his younger five year-old half-brother The Jukebox Kid won his debut Irish Point-to-Point impressively last season and fetched £130,000 at a sale subsequently.
The family is one of the Aga Khan’s deep pedigrees that contains top jumpers such as Behrajan, Barizan and Banasan.
£41,000 (+VAT)
This 3-year-old gelding is tall and athletic like many of the sire’s stock out of a dam who is proven producer. Her son Yeah Man is already a Grade-3 winner over fences and will contest more big chases next season while his younger five year-old half-brother The Jukebox Kid won his debut Irish Point-to-Point impressively last season and fetched £130,000 at a sale subsequently.
The family is one of the Aga Khan’s deep pedigrees that contains top jumpers such as Behrajan, Barizan and Banasan.
£41,000 (+VAT)
VISITORS FROM THE USA
We enjoyed two days last month welcoming visitors to Jackdaws Castle all the way from America.
The visit was organised by the wonderful travel company Abercrombie & Kent who have added a VIP Stable Tour to their itinerary for overseas travellers.
Each group of guests were chauffeur-driven upsides the horses on the gallops in one of the stunning Audis, kindly donated by Swindon Audi, before enjoying a behind-the-scenes tour of Jackdaws Castle, watching horses jump in the indoor school and swim, and feeding them lots of carrots!
The tour ended in normal O'Neill Racing style with lots of champagne and canapes in the owners suite, and a chance to get their hands on the cups that Jonjo won for riding Dawn Run to victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1986 and for training the winner in 2012 with Synchronised.
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UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS
Happy birthday to...
Chloe Cullen
7th June
Florin Mirea (Fred)
13th June
Alan Berry
25th June
Thomas Perry
28th June
Jack Wilmot
30th June
Chloe Cullen
7th June
Florin Mirea (Fred)
13th June
Alan Berry
25th June
Thomas Perry
28th June
Jack Wilmot
30th June
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