JONJO O'NEILL RACING
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NEWSLETTER
MAY 2020
LOOKING FORWARD
Hello to you all once again!
I really hope you are coping well and fingers crossed it won't be too long before we're back to some kind of normality.
I'm in close contact with the National Trainers Federation and the BHA (British Horseracing Association) as to when racing will resume. We're all hopeful that flat racing will resume in the middle of May and jump racing in July.
The NTF have said that a fixture funding plan will be send to the HBLB (Horserace Betting Levy Board) and the BHA aims to publish a provisional programme for the first seven days of racing following resumption - whatever the resumption date is. A provisional programme up until the end of June will follow.
As you can imagine, it's pretty quiet with the horses here at Jackdaws but I'm grateful for the longer days and nice weather enabling me to get all of the other jobs done. We have been busy disinfecting and painting all the stables and upgrading the gallops, as you will see below.
Most of the horses are now on their summer holidays, a few weeks earlier than they normally would be. They all seem to be enjoying it though!
You may have seen the news that the BHA are relaxing the flu vaccination ruling back to twelve months from six, however, we will continue to vaccinate ours every six months with an aim to keeping all of our horses in the very best of health all year round.
Please stay safe everyone, keep washing your hands, support all the vulnerable people around you as well as small local businesses where possible.
With best wishes,
AJ exercising 3-year-old Imperial Command on the round gallop who is owned by The Honourable Elizabeth Wills, Michelle Thorley and Christine McCallister.
HORSES ON THEIR HOLIDAYS
We have started bringing in our summer runners and are looking forward to National Hunt racing resuming in July.
Most of the horses are now on their holidays, enjoying the grass in the paddocks here at Jackdaws Castle.
This is probably a month or so earlier than many of them would have normally gone out and we will be keeping an eye on how much grass they're eating!
They are in really good health and are all enjoying their break from the gallops. Our blacksmith Mark Wellfair regularly checks all of their feet to make sure they're balanced. When the horses are checked, we pay particular attention to the groups dynamics to monitor their social behavior and overall condition to ensure if any horse is being bullied as we would then move them to a different paddock. There can be clashes of personalities just like in a school playground.
The horses that are here at Jackdaws are all placed with horses they will get on with and mares and fillies are kept separate to the geldings.
Jonjo and our nutritionist keep an eye on the horses whilst out. The horses are enjoying a break out on pasture which provides plentiful amounts of calories and protein, we also continue to feed twice a day to ensure all mineral requirements are met. Pasture can be highly variable for calcium content, a key component of bone, as well being naturally low in copper and selenium. Copper has many roles in the body, including strengthening of the bone matrix and maintaining elasticity of connective tissues. Selenium is best known for its antioxidant properties, most needed whilst in training, but it also plays an important role in normal thyroid function. Regular daily feeding of our horses also allows for easy check-ups on body condition
The horses running in winter months will be out now until July 1st as it takes between 8-10 weeks to get them fit before the season starts.
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A THANK YOU TO THE NHS FROM JACKDAWS CASTLE
We're used to talking about the dangers of race riding but have learnt this is nothing compared to what the front line team of the NHS face every time they leave home. We cannot thank them enough for doing such a brilliant job.
They are real heroes, each and every one of them. Thank you!
Music via the NHS Choir
JONJO'S INTERVIEW WITH ASPEN WAITE
You may have seen on our social media channels Jonjo's interview with Paul from Aspen Waite on our social media platforms but if you missed it, you can find it below!
WE HAVE BEEN BUSY!
Since the 18th March when racing came to a standstill, our team have been very busy throughout the remainder of March.
With the horses going out a little bit earlier than they normally do, it has given the team the opportunity to get everything cleaned and maintained.
We have upgraded our all-weather gallops, over 2 miles.
Jo has been busy cleaning all the rugs. We are lucky to have some brilliant weather for them to dry in, while Jon and Gabby have made each stable absolutely immaculate.
Federico has built a new schooling fences which looks absolutely brilliant!
It's a tough time but everyone is really pulling together to help make it all work.
Upgrading the all-weather gallops.
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Chain harrowing the grass gallops.
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Jo pressure washing the horse rugs.
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The rugs drying in the gorgeous sunshine.
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Federico building the fantastic new open ditch.
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All of the stables are looking immaculate.
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AJ working hard digging drainage.
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Some more of Federico's handy work
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BONHAMS BLUE AUCTION
We were absolutely delighted to raise an incredible £4,000 for the Bonhams Blue Auction in aid of the NHS.
The auction took place online and made an incredible £405,000 which is truly amazing.
We look forward to meeting the winner and giving them a wonderful morning here at Jackdaws Castle!
CAPTAIN TOM MOORE
During these tragic times, we cling on to all the good news we can get, and nothing has captured the nation's hearts more than what Captain Tom Moore has achieved.
What started off as a bit of a family joke to walk around his garden 100 times before his 100th has turned into a worldwide story with Tom raising over £30 million for the NHS, becoming a Colonel, and having a Number One single in the charts. It's truly extraordinary!
We are so grateful for all of the NHS and other frontline workers for everything they are doing and they way they are keeping the country running!
Colonel Tom Moore with his birthday card from The Queen
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Jonjo's message to Captain Tom before his 100th birthday
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VE DAY
Victory in Europe (VE) Day on 8 May 1945 saw Britain and its Allies formally accept Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender after almost six years of war.
At 15:00, Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced on the radio that the war in Europe had come to an end, following Germany's surrender the day before.
Friday 8th May marks the 75th anniversary of VE Day. Thank you to all of the men and women who fought so bravely for our country.
Captain Tom Moore's jacket was made by our wonderful friends Wesley, Scott and Geoff Souster.
They are offering anyone a free tailored shirt with any suit or jacket and trouser order if you quote "Captain Tom Moore".
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Congratulations to Jo O'Neill who is May's employee of the month.
As well as working hard around the yard and in the office in the last month, Jo instigated assisting the yard to put together our Lycetts Team Champion Award nomination which we are very proud of. We wish our team all the best with their entry.
We have asked her a few questions.
How did you get into racing?
I was always pony mad and was lucky enough to own my first pony from the age of 12. My love of racing grew from watching Channel 4 on a Saturday afternoon. Dragging along two school friends, I went to the December meeting, then the Tripleprint, at Cheltenham in 1997 – and when I saw the grooms leading up their runners, I thought I want to do that! I worked in a small racing yard at the weekends and holidays, which I loved, especially going ‘pointing. After doing my A-levels in 2000, I attended the foundation course at the British Racing School.
How long have you been at JJOR?
I started here in September 2012. Having worked previously in racing, I had already obtained my NVQ Level 3 but passed my HGV and trailer tests here. More recently, I did an online safeguarding course and am interested in studying to be a mentor.
What is your favourite part of the job?
Definitely racing and the horses – I think Thoroughbreds are beautiful. There is nothing better than looking after them as “babies” and them maturing to win their races. Last season, I had really good days when Arriverderci won a hurdle race and March Is On winning for the first time was special. Then, there was Minella Rocco winning two after so long in the doldrums – but that was not just me, he is a yard legend, and everyone loved him winning again. By now, I have a lot of friends I see racing – I think of them as my racing family; everyone is there supporting one another. I also met my husband Joe (who works in the office) and was given my dog Daisy through racing! They both are my most favourite parts of my job! I also own an ex-racehorse, Patman Du Charmil, who I looked after in my previous job – he is an old friend and has been in my life for fifteen
years.
Best moment in racing so far?
Most of my days have been good – working in racing has given me so many great memories. I have looked after some amazing horses, including Cheltenham Gold cup winner Imperial Commander who gave me an unforgettable day in March 2010. I have also made the best friends and
have had many good times.
What do you hope to achieve?
In work, I would like to share my knowledge with my younger colleagues like people did with me. Working alongside horses, I never stop learning. More personally, I would love, one day, to write a book. I have written columns for a local newspaper and in a racing club newsletter: monthly diaries of our life at Jackdaws, detailing what people and horses get up to! My dream is to write a novel, and hopefully it might emulate the works of the great Jilly Cooper.
Interests outside racing?
I love reading, music, G&Ts, dog-walking, cooking (though I am not the best cook!) and drinking pina coladas on holiday!
As well as working hard around the yard and in the office in the last month, Jo instigated assisting the yard to put together our Lycetts Team Champion Award nomination which we are very proud of. We wish our team all the best with their entry.
We have asked her a few questions.
How did you get into racing?
I was always pony mad and was lucky enough to own my first pony from the age of 12. My love of racing grew from watching Channel 4 on a Saturday afternoon. Dragging along two school friends, I went to the December meeting, then the Tripleprint, at Cheltenham in 1997 – and when I saw the grooms leading up their runners, I thought I want to do that! I worked in a small racing yard at the weekends and holidays, which I loved, especially going ‘pointing. After doing my A-levels in 2000, I attended the foundation course at the British Racing School.
How long have you been at JJOR?
I started here in September 2012. Having worked previously in racing, I had already obtained my NVQ Level 3 but passed my HGV and trailer tests here. More recently, I did an online safeguarding course and am interested in studying to be a mentor.
What is your favourite part of the job?
Definitely racing and the horses – I think Thoroughbreds are beautiful. There is nothing better than looking after them as “babies” and them maturing to win their races. Last season, I had really good days when Arriverderci won a hurdle race and March Is On winning for the first time was special. Then, there was Minella Rocco winning two after so long in the doldrums – but that was not just me, he is a yard legend, and everyone loved him winning again. By now, I have a lot of friends I see racing – I think of them as my racing family; everyone is there supporting one another. I also met my husband Joe (who works in the office) and was given my dog Daisy through racing! They both are my most favourite parts of my job! I also own an ex-racehorse, Patman Du Charmil, who I looked after in my previous job – he is an old friend and has been in my life for fifteen
years.
Best moment in racing so far?
Most of my days have been good – working in racing has given me so many great memories. I have looked after some amazing horses, including Cheltenham Gold cup winner Imperial Commander who gave me an unforgettable day in March 2010. I have also made the best friends and
have had many good times.
What do you hope to achieve?
In work, I would like to share my knowledge with my younger colleagues like people did with me. Working alongside horses, I never stop learning. More personally, I would love, one day, to write a book. I have written columns for a local newspaper and in a racing club newsletter: monthly diaries of our life at Jackdaws, detailing what people and horses get up to! My dream is to write a novel, and hopefully it might emulate the works of the great Jilly Cooper.
Interests outside racing?
I love reading, music, G&Ts, dog-walking, cooking (though I am not the best cook!) and drinking pina coladas on holiday!
Jo and husband Joe with their dog Daisy.
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.Jo with Adrian Heskin and March is On after winning at Southwell for Steve Killalea & Richard & Maralyn Seed.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOUR MAJESTY
As well as Captain Tom's birthday, The Queen celebrated her 94th birthday on April 21st. She is a truly remarkable lady. Let's hope it's not too long before she gets to see her horses back on the racecourse!
This gave us a perfect excuse to share this wonderful picture on our social media channels.
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.com/JonjoONeill
facebook.com/JonjoONeillRacing
instagram.com/jonjooneillracing
Youtube
youtube.com/channel
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Happy May Birthday to...
3rd May
Jay Bisson
4th May
Sir AP McCoy
and Happy Wedding Anniversary to both
Joe and Jo O'Neill and Clare and Tom Bowring
on May 19th!
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If you would like to get in touch and find out more about getting involved in racehorse ownership please call us on 01386 584 209 or email racingoffice@jonjooneillracing.com.
If you would like to get in touch and find out more about getting involved in racehorse ownership please call us on 01386 584 209 or email racingoffice@jonjooneillracing.com.
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