John McNeill
Irish National Hunt jockey John McNeill rode mainly in his homeland but also enjoyed a fair measure of success in Britain, where he recorded a total of 47 winners.
Irish National Hunt jockey John McNeill rode mainly in his homeland but also enjoyed a fair measure of success in Britain, where he recorded a total of 47 winners.
He had his first ride in Britain on the Irish-trained Red Michael, who finished second in the February Handicap Hurdle at Manchester on February 2, 1921. Reunited there the following day, Red Michael made amends for that defeat by giving John his first British winner when winning the Brackley Handicap Hurdle by10 lengths.
He had his first ride in Britain on the Irish-trained Red Michael, who finished second in the February Handicap Hurdle at Manchester on February 2, 1921. Reunited there the following day, Red Michael made amends for that defeat by giving John his first British winner when winning the Brackley Handicap Hurdle by10 lengths.
Back on home soil, John finished second in the 1921 Irish Grand National on Greenogue, beaten 1½ lengths by Bohernore, the mount of Danny Colbert. John launched a somewhat speculative objection on the grounds of bumping and boring which the stewards swiftly overruled.
Back on home soil, John finished second in the 1921 Irish Grand National on Greenogue, beaten 1½ lengths by Bohernore, the mount of Danny Colbert. John launched a somewhat speculative objection on the grounds of bumping and boring which the stewards swiftly overruled.
He had his most successful season in Britain in 1925/26 with 16 winners. However, his biggest successes were achieved on the Irish-trained East Galway, who beat the mare Alike by four lengths in the 1930 Lancashire Chase. Three months later, the appropriately-named East Galway carried John to victory in the Galway Plate.
He had his most successful season in Britain in 1925/26 with 16 winners. However, his biggest successes were achieved on the Irish-trained East Galway, who beat the mare Alike by four lengths in the 1930 Lancashire Chase. Three months later, the appropriately-named East Galway carried John to victory in the Galway Plate.
He recorded his last British success on Ballyford won the Ashton Handicap Hurdle at Haydock Park on February 7, 1935. He had his final ride in Britain when finishing fourth on Lizzie’s Nephew in the Belper Handicap Chase at Derby on December 22, 1936.
He recorded his last British success on Ballyford won the Ashton Handicap Hurdle at Haydock Park on February 7, 1935. He had his final ride in Britain when finishing fourth on Lizzie’s Nephew in the Belper Handicap Chase at Derby on December 22, 1936.
John, extreme right, in action at Hurst Park, 1925.
John, extreme right, in action at Hurst Park, 1925.