OUR TEAM

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​We are delighted to introduce you to our brilliant team, without whom Jonjo O’Neill Racing would not be what it is.

We were honoured to win the Lycetts Award this year. Here is a small snapshot of all our wonderful and loyal team. 

​Jonjo & Jacqui

AJ
​O'NEILL
ASSISTANT TRAINER

​Jacqui & Jonjo’s youngest son, AJ is busy studying for his Business Management apprenticeship whilst assisting on the yard.

Favourite horse
Manintheshawdows, he’s a great lad and gave me some fun on the track last season

Best thing about Jonjo O'Neill Racing
The top class facilities, we are very lucky to have these.  

Horse to follow
File Illico

What's on your Bucket List?
To ride around the National Fences

JOE
​O'NEILL
RACING MANAGER

Joe is Jonjo’s nephew and joined us in 2010 and since then has become a key fixture at Jonjo O’Neill Racing. You will often see Joe in the yard, managing the office and at the races all in one day – his smiley face pops up everywhere!

Favourite horse
Garry Clermont

Best thing about Jonjo O'Neill Racing
Going racing, especially when we have runners on the big days

Horse to follow
Seaton Carew, I look forward to her return this season.

Hopes for the future
I hope we can win the National again one day. 

JONJO
O'NEILL JR.
JOCKEY

"Jonj" enjoyed a fantastic 2019/20 season winning the Conditional Jockey Championship. When he's not riding you will find him on his push bike or with Vinnie, his 18 month old dachshund.

Favourite horse
Young Wolf

Best thing about Jonjo O'Neill Racing
The way we are looked after from the top management down, and the community spirit involved where we all support each other

What's on your bucket list?
To cycle some of the Tour de France routes

JOHNNY
KAVANAGH
HEAD LAD

After a successful career in the saddle, riding over 300 winners including 10 for the Queen Mother, Johnny arrived at Jackdaws Castle in 2008 and has been an integral part of the team for many years.

Favourite horse
Mercutio Rock

Best thing about Jonjo O'Neill Racing
Working with Jonjo

Horse to follow
Soaring Glory

What's on your bucket list?
Play golf on all the Championship Courses

ALAN
​BERRY
HEAD LAD

"Berry" enjoyed 2 winners at the Cheltenham Festival aboard Butler's Cabin and Sunnyhillboy before an injury ended his career. He soon joined the yard team here and is a huge part of the operation.

Favourite horse
Ashfield Paddy

Best thing about Jonjo O'Neill Racing
The team we have here

Horse to follow
Sky Pirate

What's on your bucket list?
Visiting historical sites around Europe

ED
TELFER
​HEAD LAD

Favourite horse
Punches Cross

Best thing about Jonjo O'Neill Racing 
Working with good horses

Horse to follow
Fame And Concrete

What's on you bucket list?
I’ve a few friends from Australia who I have met over the years and I would like to take them up on their invitation one day and go over for a month. 

What do you enjoy in your spare time? 
​I play badminton on the national circuit and go abroad to play in tournaments a few times a year. I also love playing golf and I’m an avid Chelsea fan so try to go as much as possible.

RICHIE 
McLERNON
JOCKEY

Richie has enjoyed huge success in the saddle, riding 3 Cheltenham Festival winners for us, and forming a special partnership with Holywell who now lives on his family's farm in Ireland,

Favourite horse
Holywell

Best thing about Jonjo O'Neill Racing
It feels like you are a part of the family

Horse to follow
Soaring Glory

What do you enjoy in your spare time? 
Going out for a nice meal with friends or a good day hunting.

KEVIN
​BROGAN
CONDITIONAL JOCKEY

Kevin has recently joined us from Gordon Elliott in Ireland. He began his career with horses working for Ted Walsh and graduated from RACE in 2016. Before arriving here at Jackdaws Castle, Kevin has managed to rack up just over 100 rides and 4 winners between Ireland and England.

Favourite horse
Tegerek

Best thing about Jonjo O'Neill Racing.
It has to be the facilities

Horse to follow
Soaring Glory

What's on your bucket list?
I would love to travel all around Australia one day.

PHILIP
ARMSON
​CONDITIONAL JOCKEY

Philip has worked with racehorses his whole life and started pony racing when he was 9 years old.  In his second season of riding in point to points, Philip became leading novice jockey in the Midlands and was runner up for the men's title, only beaten by 3pts. ​ He has ridden over 15 Point to Point winners to date.

Favourite horse
That's a tough one. Either Shantou Melody or Palmers Hill

Best thing about Jonjo O'Neill Racing.
The facilities are incredible. Also, being about to work for a trainer who is always smiling is really nice.

Horse to follow
Shantou Melody

What's on your bucket list?
To ride a winner in JP McManus' colours

WILLIAM
MARSHALL
​CONDITIONAL JOCKEY

.Favourite horse
Lithic

Best thing about Jonjo O'Neill Racing.
The facilities at Jackdaws Castle are incredible.

Horse to follow
Soaring Glory

What's on your bucket list?
I would love to visit Australia one day.

What do you enjoy away from racing?
Cycling and Fishing are my main hobbies 

CLARE
​BOWRING
PA & EVENTS COORDINATOR

Clare joined us in 2019 after 8 years of London living, keen to start married life closer to their families when the role at JJOR came up everything all fell perfectly into place.

Favourite horse
​Red Maple

Best thing about Jonjo O'Neill Racing
Kind and fun work environment with the added bonus of the dogs, no office should be without them.

Horse to follow
When You’re Ready

What do you enjoy doing away from racing?
A few years ago I did a Floristry diploma, I’ve been lucky enough to do many weddings & other events and hope to do more.

CATH
​PLUMSTEAD
ACCOUNTS MANAGER

Cath joined us in 2017 from a corporate accounting background and settled into her role well and with great enthusiasm. She has since has become an avid follower of racing, Jonjo happens to be her favourite trainer!

Favourite horse
Imperial Command, he has such a sweet nature.

Best thing about Jonjo O'Neill Racing
It has to be the wonderful countryside location & lovely co-workers

Horse to follow
I would choose Cobolobo to follow this season

What do you enjoy away from racing?
Travelling & attending dog shows with our puppy Jasper

​JADE
​ASPELL
RACING SECRETARY

Jade joined us in 2019 from Sir Mark Prescott's and very quickly became a huge part of the team as both racing secretary and riding out. She is also our Health & Safety officer.

Favourite horse
Gorgeous Suspect

​Best thing about Jonjo O'Neill Racing
The really fun working environment and working alongside a great team

Horse to follow
Stop The World

What's on your bucket list?
Road trip across America and do a bungee jump in Queenstown, New Zealand.

JO
​O'NEILL
TRAVELLING HEAD LASS

"Jojo" joined in 2012 and she quickly became a valued member of staff, and also joined our family when marrying Joe in 2018. She is rarely seen without her trusty companion Daisy. Jojo lead our Lycett’s nomination and is also our Safeguarding expert at the yard.

​Favourite horses
It’s hard to choose, but Arrivederci is beautiful and who wouldn’t love the massive Minella Rocco?

Best thing about Jonjo O'Neill Racing
Going racing and having good days.

Horse to follow
Soaring Glory

What do you enjoy doing away from racing?
Drinking G&Ts, reading, dog walking and one day, I’d love to write a book.

HARRISON
DAY
TRAVELLING HEAD LAD

Harrison started riding out at weekends from the age of 12. He attended the British Racing School after leaving school and, despite time working for Dan Skelton and Sue Gardner, re-joined the team  permanently a year later. He drives lots of our runners to and from the races.

Favourite horses
On The Bandwagon and Cobolobo

Best thing about Jonjo O'Neill Racing
Driving to the races; it’s my dream job 

Horse to follow
On The Bandwagon 

What do you enjoy doing away from racing?
Socialising, partying, having fun!
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LAUREN
​HAY
ASSISTANT TRAVELLING LASS

 Working here is Lauren’s dream job, and being a smiley and bubbly person, she is an asset to the yard. Last season, Lauren started driving the horse lorries and has never stopped improving with her riding.

​Favourite horses
Carys’ Commodity & Perfect City, I’m incredibly lucky to be so closely involved with them.

Best thing about Jonjo O'Neill Racing
The amazing opportunities given to us and driving to the races with your horses

Horse to follow
Carys’ Commodity

What's on your bucket list?
I would love to learn how to trick ride, outside of work I enjoy going for walks and seeing my friends.

JOHN
​DINA
AQUA THERAPY MANAGER

John is a vital part of the team assisting the vets and head lads. He learnt the art of swimming the horses and now this is a major part of his role here.

Favourite horses
Quarenta and Palmers Hill.      

Best thing about Jonjo O'Neill Racing
Swimming the horses is what l’m doing the most at work!

Horse to follow
Palmers Hill is a very nice horse and I would love to see him on the course this season.

What do you enjoy away from racing?
Running and playing football.

NICK
​HEALY
ASSISTANT TRAVELLING LAD

Nick came to us from the British Racing School, having never worked in racing before. He has recently begun driving the horse lorries, adding to our team of drivers, and has constantly shown improvement in his riding.

Favourite horse
Cloth Cap 

Best thing about Jonjo O'Neill Racing
When you get to go racing with your horses you look after and hopefully them winning !!!

Horse to follow
Cloth Cap
​
What's on your bucket list?
There are a couple things on my bucket list , firstly leading up a Cheltenham Festival winner and further down the line having my own  yard where I can train some horses.

What do you enjoy away from racing?
My hobby outside work is golf, which I play with my father and brother, they usually beat me!

MEGAN
​PETRIE
SPA THERAPY LEADER

Meg came here last season from the Northern Racing College and made a brilliant start to her new career, taking over the running of the spa. Meg has ridden since childhood and simply loves working alongside the horses here.

Favourite horses
Rabski and Hey Joe, they are both such characters.

Best thing about Jonjo O'Neill Racing
Definitely the spa, its amazing what treatments and help we can do in it for the horses.

Horse to follow
Coeur Serein

What do you enjoy away from racing?
I like to ride and be creative with makeup

What's on your bucket list?
I hope to get the chance one day to travel the world

FEDERICO
​ BAZAN
ESTATE MANAGER

Federico is a massive part of the team. He is from Argentina and was formerly a polo player. As well as the estate maintenance, he manages the hostels and vehicles at Jackdaws Castle. He always hosts the yard’s summer BBQ and this is a not to be missed event!

Favourite horse
Young Wolf

Best thing about Jonjo O'Neill Racing
Working alongside such a great group of people.

Horse to follow
Sky Pirate

What do you enjoy doing away from racing?
Spending time with Karina & Lucia, I’m enjoying teaching Lucia to ride on her pony Mitiz Moo.

MADALIN MARIAN RADU (DOC)
​ESTATE ASSISTANT

Doc came over to ride in 2015. Since then he has learnt all about estate management and now drives tractors as well and the horses to the races.​

​Favourite horse
Quarenta

Best thing about Jonjo O'Neill Racing
Great team and great location

Horse to follow
Tedham

What's on your bucket list?
I love motobikes and would like to ride on one all around Europe

ALEX
HOWITT
RACING GROOM

Alex graduated from the Northern Racing College, having previously studied horse care. She truly loves the racehorses in her care, and we hope we can keep her from joining the army for a few years yet!

Favourite horses
On The Bandwagon is my favourite to look after, I enjoy riding As You Like and Tidal Watch.

 Best thing about Jonjo O'Neill Racing
To be able to work the horses and then take them to the races and see how far they have come, and see everyone’s hard work pay off is very rewarding.

Horse to follow
On The Bandwagon. 

What's on your bucket list?
One day joining the army and being in the King’s Troop.

JAY
​BISSON
​RACING GROOM

 Recruited from the Northern Racing College, Jay has done two seasons already. He hopes to fulfil his dream of riding in a race, and loves working with the racehorses.

​Favourite horses
I can’t choose one so it would be Adicci, Sermando & At First Glance 

Best thing about Jonjo O'Neill Racing
The horses and facilities are both amazing!

Horse to follow
Adicci, he started to show himself last season so here’s hoping he can continue on this season.

What's on your bucket list?
To ride out abroad and get my licence out

FLORIN MIREA
​"FRED"
RACING GROOM

Fred joined us for a while and then returned home but missed Jonjo O'Neill Racing  so much he came back. He loves to party in his kitchen which is known as "Club Fred".

Favourite horse
​Annie Mc    

Favourite thing about Jonjo O'Neill Racing
I like to go racing with my horses! 

Horse to follow
Tidal Watch. He’s good horse in the summer.                  
What do you enjoy away from racing?
Watching lots of history movies and I love cooking.

IONUT GABRIEL "GABBY" UNGUREANU
RACING GROOM

​Gabby was a veterinary technician back in his native Romania and came here as a means to see a different country and travel. Gabby particularly enjoyed travelling to Scotland for the first time last season with the horses.

Favourite horse
As You Like

Best thing about Jonjo O'Neill Racing
Going racing, also seeing new places in the UK and abroad.

Horse to follow
Folks On The Hill

What do you enjoy doing away from racing?
I really enjoy watching documentaries about UFOs

KEA
​TAYLOR
RACING GROOM

Favourite horse
Punches Cross

Best thing about Jonjo O'Neill Racing
Getting to ride these amazing horses everyday

Horse to follow
Punches Cross

What's on your bucket list?
To travel the world and ride work here

What do you enjoy doing away from racing?
I love spending time with my own horses and my family

GEORGIA
PLUMB
​RACING GROOM

Georgia came from the Northern Racing College, having studied ‘normal horse studies’ at the college next door. She grew up around horses and has an ex-racehorse at home.

Favourite horses
My favourite horses are Soaring Glory & Steady The Ship to name a few

Best thing about Jonjo O'Neill Racing
Definitely working for the racing legend Jonjo. Also working and schooling alongside our team of knowledgeable jockeys. 

Horse to follow
My horse to follow for the season is a horse I look after, Soaring Glory, who has provided a strong form making it 2 out of 3 in competitive bumpers, I very much looking forward to his hurdling debut.

What's on your bucket list?
I would like to qualify ROR Amateur ridden show series final, with horses I have rehabilitated and produced at home.

SHANNON
​BISHOP
RACING GROOM

Favourite horse
The Manuscript

Best thing about Jonjo O'Neill Racing
There are lots of people to learn from

Horse to follow
Cloth Cap

What's on your bucket list?
Lead up a Cheltenham Festival or a Grand National winner 

What do you enjoy doing away from racing?
Spending time with my dad and my dogs

LAUREN
HALL
RACING GROOM

Favourite horse
Time To Get Up

Best thing about Jonjo O'Neill Racing
The amazing yard and facilities

Horse to follow
Time To Get Up

What's on your bucket list?
I would love to travel around America

What do you enjoy doing away from racing?
​I love going down to Devon with family and friends, walking along the beaches and riding through the countryside.

LILLY
​WHALE
RACING GROOM

Favourite horse
That’s a hard one but Powerful Hero as he is extremely cute.

 Best thing about Jonjo O'Neill Racing
Getting to work alongside such amazing team of people.

 Horse to follow
 Destin D’ajonc 

 What's on your bucket list?
To travel the world and to maybe get my jockey license out.

What do you enjoy doing away from racing?
 I compete all over the country in martial arts. Away from racing, I enjoy cooking and spending time with my friends and family. 

JAMIE
​BRACE
RACING GROOM

Favourite horse
Known

 Best thing about Jonjo O'Neill Racing
I really enjoy work riding and schooling

 Horse to follow
 Known 

 What's on your bucket list?
I would one day like to become a Head Lad and start my own pre-training yard.

What do you enjoy doing away from racing?
 My spare time is taken up socialising with friends and playing rugby.

LYCETTS TEAM CHAMPION AWARD 2020

​We are absolutely delighted to have been award the Lycetts Team Champion Award for 2020 for yards with more than 40 horses. 

​The Lycetts Team Champion Award celebrates and rewards racehorse training yards that develop a high performance team using the highest standards of employee management, including safe working practices.

​Well done to all of our amazing team!