Jonjo O'Neill
Twice crowned champion National Hunt jockey, Jonjo O’Neill is regarded as one of the best and most fearless riders of the post-war era. His greatest successes were gained at Cheltenham on Sea Pigeon (1980) and Dawn Run (1984) in the Champion Hurdle, and on Alverton (1979) and Dawn Run (1986) in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Twice crowned champion National Hunt jockey, Jonjo O’Neill is regarded as one of the best and most fearless riders of the post-war era. His greatest successes were gained at Cheltenham on Sea Pigeon (1980) and Dawn Run (1984) in the Champion Hurdle, and on Alverton (1979) and Dawn Run (1986) in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
The son of a shoemaker, John Joe O’Neill was born in the village of Castletownroche, midway between Fermoy and Mallow, in County Cork, on April 13, 1952. He was climbing on horses from the age of six, on the donkeys and ponies owned by the Hunter family. He had his first fall when sliding off their hunter named Tom. Undaunted, he got straight back on Tom and rode him bareback around the field.
The son of a shoemaker, John Joe O’Neill was born in the village of Castletownroche, midway between Fermoy and Mallow, in County Cork, on April 13, 1952. He was climbing on horses from the age of six, on the donkeys and ponies owned by the Hunter family. He had his first fall when sliding off their hunter named Tom. Undaunted, he got straight back on Tom and rode him bareback around the field.
He spent a year at the Mallow stables of trainer Don Reid. Then, aged 16, he became apprenticed to Michael Connolly at the Curragh for three years. He rode his first winner, Lana, in a 1m 4f apprentices’ handicap at the Curragh on September 9, 1970, dead-heating with Tomboy II, ridden by Michel Teelin, who was tragically killed in a race fall the following year.
He spent a year at the Mallow stables of trainer Don Reid. Then, aged 16, he became apprenticed to Michael Connolly at the Curragh for three years. He rode his first winner, Lana, in a 1m 4f apprentices’ handicap at the Curragh on September 9, 1970, dead-heating with Tomboy II, ridden by Michel Teelin, who was tragically killed in a race fall the following year.
His first winner over hurdles was Irish Painter in a five-and six-year-old maiden hurdle at Downpatrick on March 3, 1971. His first mount over fences was a winner, a spare ride on the giant 17.2-hand Stan Royal in a three-mile handicap chase at Navan on January 24, 1972.
His first winner over hurdles was Irish Painter in a five-and six-year-old maiden hurdle at Downpatrick on March 3, 1971. His first mount over fences was a winner, a spare ride on the giant 17.2-hand Stan Royal in a three-mile handicap chase at Navan on January 24, 1972.
A few weeks later, having ridden just three winners, one on the Flat, one over hurdles and one over fences, Jonjo crossed the Irish Sea and joined Greystoke, Cumbria trainer Gordon W. Richards. He rode what should have been his first British winner on Katie J at Uttoxeter on March 18, 1972, scrambling home by a desperate short-head from Pride of Coulter, the mount of Richard Evans. However, in doing so he had interfered with the runner-up. Evans objected and was awarded the race in the stewards’ room. Katie J was disqualified and placed second.
A few weeks later, having ridden just three winners, one on the Flat, one over hurdles and one over fences, Jonjo crossed the Irish Sea and joined Greystoke, Cumbria trainer Gordon W. Richards. He rode what should have been his first British winner on Katie J at Uttoxeter on March 18, 1972, scrambling home by a desperate short-head from Pride of Coulter, the mount of Richard Evans. However, in doing so he had interfered with the runner-up. Evans objected and was awarded the race in the stewards’ room. Katie J was disqualified and placed second.
Alexandra Parade was thus Jonjo’s first official winner in Britain when landing the Snitterfield Selling Hurdle at Stratford on September 23, 1972. Just two months later he was given his first big race chance on Proud Stone in the Mackeson Gold Cup. Having carried out his riding instructions to the letter, he came to the last fence with the race seemingly in the bag, only to be unseated when asking for one final big leap.
Alexandra Parade was thus Jonjo’s first official winner in Britain when landing the Snitterfield Selling Hurdle at Stratford on September 23, 1972. Just two months later he was given his first big race chance on Proud Stone in the Mackeson Gold Cup. Having carried out his riding instructions to the letter, he came to the last fence with the race seemingly in the bag, only to be unseated when asking for one final big leap.
Having put that setback behind him, Jonjo went on to forge a hugely successful career, becoming champion jockey in 1977/78 with a then record 149 winners, and in 1979/80 with 117 winners. He rode a total of 885 winners under National Hunt rules, plus 14 in Ireland and one in Belgium. He also rode 15 winners on the Flat comprising 13 in Britain, one in Ireland (his first winner) and one in Belgium. He rode over 100 winners in a season on three occasions, his two championship years and when finishing second to John Francome in 1983/84.
Having put that setback behind him, Jonjo went on to forge a hugely successful career, becoming champion jockey in 1977/78 with a then record 149 winners, and in 1979/80 with 117 winners. He rode a total of 885 winners under National Hunt rules, plus 14 in Ireland and one in Belgium. He also rode 15 winners on the Flat comprising 13 in Britain, one in Ireland (his first winner) and one in Belgium. He rode over 100 winners in a season on three occasions, his two championship years and when finishing second to John Francome in 1983/84.
His major victories included two Cheltenham Gold Cups, two Champion Hurdles and, on the Flat, the Ebor Handicap. He rode five winners in a day at Perth on April 19, 1978. Of the many top-class horses he rode, the best were Dawn Run, Sea Pigeon, Alverton, Night Nurse and Ekbalco.
His major victories included two Cheltenham Gold Cups, two Champion Hurdles and, on the Flat, the Ebor Handicap. He rode five winners in a day at Perth on April 19, 1978. Of the many top-class horses he rode, the best were Dawn Run, Sea Pigeon, Alverton, Night Nurse and Ekbalco.
Dawn Run remains the only horse to win the Champion Hurdle and the Cheltenham Gold Cup, both wins being achieved with Jonjo on board. He also rode her to win the 1983 Christmas Hurdle at Kempton and the 1984 Wessl Cable Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.
Dawn Run remains the only horse to win the Champion Hurdle and the Cheltenham Gold Cup, both wins being achieved with Jonjo on board. He also rode her to win the 1983 Christmas Hurdle at Kempton and the 1984 Wessl Cable Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.
He won no less than 15 races on Sea Pigeon, eleven over hurdles and four on the Flat. His National Hunt victories included a Champion Hurdle, the Scottish Champion Hurdle twice, the Welsh Champion Hurdle and two renewals of Sandown’s Oteley Hurdle. His four Flat wins comprised the 1979 Ebor Handicap and 1979 Sam Hall Memorial Trophy (both at York), the 1980 Vaux Gold Tankard at Redcar and the 1980 Doonside Cup at Ayr.
He won no less than 15 races on Sea Pigeon, eleven over hurdles and four on the Flat. His National Hunt victories included a Champion Hurdle, the Scottish Champion Hurdle twice, the Welsh Champion Hurdle and two renewals of Sandown’s Oteley Hurdle. His four Flat wins comprised the 1979 Ebor Handicap and 1979 Sam Hall Memorial Trophy (both at York), the 1980 Vaux Gold Tankard at Redcar and the 1980 Doonside Cup at Ayr.
In addition to winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Alverton, he won three other races on him including the 1979 Greenall Whitley Handicap Chase at Haydock Park. Tragically, he was also on Alverton when the horse was fatally injured when falling at Becher’s second time round in the 1979 Grand National, just 16 days after winning the Gold Cup.
In addition to winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Alverton, he won three other races on him including the 1979 Greenall Whitley Handicap Chase at Haydock Park. Tragically, he was also on Alverton when the horse was fatally injured when falling at Becher’s second time round in the 1979 Grand National, just 16 days after winning the Gold Cup.
He won six races on Night Nurse, including the 1978 Yorkshire Hurdle at Doncaster, the 1979 Sean Graham Trophy Chase at Aintree. the 1979 Future Champions Novices’ Chase at Ayr and the 1982 Mandarin Chase at Newbury.
He won six races on Night Nurse, including the 1978 Yorkshire Hurdle at Doncaster, the 1979 Sean Graham Trophy Chase at Aintree. the 1979 Future Champions Novices’ Chase at Ayr and the 1982 Mandarin Chase at Newbury.
Jonjo’s six wins on the Roger Fisher-trained Ekbalco included back-to-back renewals of the Welsh Champion Hurdle, Cheltenham’s Bula Hurdle, Kempton’s Christmas Hurdle, and the Champion Hurdle Trial at Haydock.
Jonjo’s six wins on the Roger Fisher-trained Ekbalco included back-to-back renewals of the Welsh Champion Hurdle, Cheltenham’s Bula Hurdle, Kempton’s Christmas Hurdle, and the Champion Hurdle Trial at Haydock.
Jonjo’s Achilles Heel was the Grand National, in which he rode eight times without ever completing the course. Ironically, his first big winner had been over those same Grand National fences on Clear Cut, trained by Charlie Hall, in the 1974 Topham Trophy.
Jonjo’s Achilles Heel was the Grand National, in which he rode eight times without ever completing the course. Ironically, his first big winner had been over those same Grand National fences on Clear Cut, trained by Charlie Hall, in the 1974 Topham Trophy.
His success came at a price, for his suffered a catalogue of injuries including two broken legs, the second of which, in a fall from a hurdler named Sinbad at Bangor-on-Dee in October 1980, shattered his right leg and rendered him out of action for 14 months. He returned at Wetherby in December 1981 and rode a winner, Realt Na Nona, on his first day back.
His success came at a price, for his suffered a catalogue of injuries including two broken legs, the second of which, in a fall from a hurdler named Sinbad at Bangor-on-Dee in October 1980, shattered his right leg and rendered him out of action for 14 months. He returned at Wetherby in December 1981 and rode a winner, Realt Na Nona, on his first day back.
He rode his last winner on Jobroke, trained by Peter Easterby, in the Trillium Handicap Hurdle at Ascot on April 12, 1986. He announced his retirement at the end of that season and began training, based at his Ivy House Farm, Penrith. However, no sooner had he started out on a training career than he was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer, from which he eventually recovered following an intense drawn-out battle against the disease.
He rode his last winner on Jobroke, trained by Peter Easterby, in the Trillium Handicap Hurdle at Ascot on April 12, 1986. He announced his retirement at the end of that season and began training, based at his Ivy House Farm, Penrith. However, no sooner had he started out on a training career than he was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer, from which he eventually recovered following an intense drawn-out battle against the disease.
He subsequently moved to Jackdaws Castle, Temple Guiting, near Cheltenham, where his main benefactor is JP McManus. He has achieved his greatest training triumphs for him, namely Don’t Push It, who gave AP McCoy a long-overdue Grand National victory in 2010, and the ill-fated Synchronised in the 2012 Cheltenham Gold Cup.
He subsequently moved to Jackdaws Castle, Temple Guiting, near Cheltenham, where his main benefactor is JP McManus. He has achieved his greatest training triumphs for him, namely Don’t Push It, who gave AP McCoy a long-overdue Grand National victory in 2010, and the ill-fated Synchronised in the 2012 Cheltenham Gold Cup.
In March 1981 he was the subject of ‘This Is Your Life’, having been ambushed with the famous book by Eamonn Andrews. In November 1981 he featured in a TV commercial for the Milk Marketing Board, riding a horse over an open ditch at Newbury and then turning to the camera on landing and shouting “Lotta Bottle”. He reputedly even made a pop record, though it is lost in the mist of time. His book, ‘Jonjo: An Autobiography’, ghosted by journalist Tim Richards, was published in 1985.
In March 1981 he was the subject of ‘This Is Your Life’, having been ambushed with the famous book by Eamonn Andrews. In November 1981 he featured in a TV commercial for the Milk Marketing Board, riding a horse over an open ditch at Newbury and then turning to the camera on landing and shouting “Lotta Bottle”. He reputedly even made a pop record, though it is lost in the mist of time. His book, ‘Jonjo: An Autobiography’, ghosted by journalist Tim Richards, was published in 1985.
Jonjo O’Neill’s big race victories included:
Jonjo O’Neill’s big race victories included:
Over jumps
Over jumps
Cheltenham Gold Cup: Alverton (1979), Dawn Run (1986)
Cheltenham Gold Cup: Alverton (1979), Dawn Run (1986)
Champion Hurdle: Sea Pigeon (1980), Dawn Run (1984)
Champion Hurdle: Sea Pigeon (1980), Dawn Run (1984)
Triumph Hurdle: Peterhof (1976)
Triumph Hurdle: Peterhof (1976)
Scottish Champion Hurdle: Sea Pigeon (1977, 1978)
Scottish Champion Hurdle: Sea Pigeon (1977, 1978)
Welsh Champion Hurdle: Sea Pigeon (1980), Ekbalco (1982, 1983)
Welsh Champion Hurdle: Sea Pigeon (1980), Ekbalco (1982, 1983)
Christmas Hurdle: Ekbalco (1982), Dawn Run (1983)
Christmas Hurdle: Ekbalco (1982), Dawn Run (1983)
Bula Hurdle: Sea Pigeon (1975), Ekbalco (1982)
Bula Hurdle: Sea Pigeon (1975), Ekbalco (1982)
Wessl Cable Champion Hurdle: Dawn Run (1984)
Wessl Cable Champion Hurdle: Dawn Run (1984)
Topham Trophy: Clear Cut (1974)
Topham Trophy: Clear Cut (1974)
Cathcart Cup Chase: King Weasel (1980)
Cathcart Cup Chase: King Weasel (1980)
Grand Annual Handicap Chase: Mossy Moore (1984)
Grand Annual Handicap Chase: Mossy Moore (1984)
County Handicap Hurdle: Jobroke (1986)
County Handicap Hurdle: Jobroke (1986)
Greenall Whitley Handicap Chase: Alverton (1979)
Greenall Whitley Handicap Chase: Alverton (1979)
Royal Doulton Handicap Hurdle: No Bombs (1980)
Royal Doulton Handicap Hurdle: No Bombs (1980)
Yorkshire Hurdle: Night Nurse (1978)
Yorkshire Hurdle: Night Nurse (1978)
Sean Graham Trophy Night Nurse (1979)
Sean Graham Trophy Night Nurse (1979)
Future Champions Novices’ Chase: Night Nurse (1979)
Future Champions Novices’ Chase: Night Nurse (1979)
Mandarin Handicap Chase: Night Nurse (1982)
Mandarin Handicap Chase: Night Nurse (1982)
On the Flat
On the Flat
Ebor Handicap: Sea Pigeon (1979)
Ebor Handicap: Sea Pigeon (1979)
Sam Hall Memorial Trophy: Sea Pigeon (1979)
Sam Hall Memorial Trophy: Sea Pigeon (1979)
Vaux Gold Tankard: Sea Pigeon (1980)
Vaux Gold Tankard: Sea Pigeon (1980)
Doonside Cup: Sea Pigeon (1980)
Doonside Cup: Sea Pigeon (1980)