It's Festival Season!
It’s that time of year when the eyes of the whole National Hunt horse racing community descend on the Cheltenham Festival. It’s a wonderful time of year and always great fun.
We will be taking a team of around 11 horses and are always hopeful of a victory to add to our 28 previous winners. As we all know, it’s incredibly tough to get a winner at the Cheltenham Festival, and that’s why it’s so special when you do.
As always, our Owners’ Suite will be full each morning with our owners and friends a champagne breakfast before they head off to the course. We will also be welcoming Alan Brazil and his TalkSport Breakfast Show team on Monday morning to kick off the week in familiar style. It’s always a brilliant atmosphere and the perfect start to the four days ahead!
On the track, it has been incredibly wet with a few meetings falling foul of the weather. We have still managed to enjoy six winners since we last spoke, as well hitting the crossbar with a few seconds and thirds too!
We were absolutely thrilled to see Dearkeithandkaty win at Musselburgh for owner Terry Jackson. This victory also means that Jonjo Jr. has now ridden a winner at every National Hunt racecourse in the UK which is a brilliant achievement!
Mersey Street got back to winning ways with a battling performance at Sedgefield for owners Dan and Carl of The Iveragh Syndicate.
It was brilliant to see the talented Hawthorn Street get off the mark at Catterick for his owners Toby, Richard, Martin, Dinka, Daniel and Dave and the first of two winners on the day with Imperial Bede completing the double in green and gold silks of JP McManus.
Seaniecon impressed us when cruising to victory to get off the mark at Hereford for owners Owen and Jo.
We enjoyed a lovely winner with Mr Griffiths winning at Warwick for owners Paul and Clare Rooney, ridden by their 16 year old godson Freddie who rode his first ever winner!
And most recently, it was brilliant to see Riviera Walk get off the mark over obstacles in superb fashion at Catterick for Anne, Harriet and Lucinda Bond. Qualifying for the £100,000 Herring Queen Mares final later on in the month.
Like every year at the Cheltenham Festival, the Tattersalls sale takes place after racing on the Thursday. The sale offers winning and placed point-to-pointers and horses in training in the Winner’s Enclosure. If you are racing on the Thursday, the sale is a fantastic spectacle. We will once again be there looking for a potential festival winner! If you are interested in getting involved, please get in touch.
Good luck to everyone who is going to Cheltenham and to all of you who will be watching on TV.
With our best wishes,
Jonjo and AJ
Recent Winners
Our Festival Team
Horses heading to the Cheltenham Festival.
Johnnywho
Johnnywho has his entry in the Ultima Handicap Chase over 3m1f on Tuesday for JP McManus. He came on well from his run in the Grand Sefton from Aintree in November and put in a really nice performance at Ascot at the end of December when finishing third, beaten by only half a length at Ascot. He ran a little below par at Haydock most recently but hopefully we can re find his fantastic form at Cheltenham of last year when second to Daily Present, only beaten by a neck in the Kim Muir. We look forward to seeing him back on the track.
Petit Tonnerre
We also have Petit Tonnerre running for JP McManus. Petit Tonnerre holds entries in the 2m4f Plate on the Tuesday and the 2m Grand Annual on the Wednesday. He was our superstar at Punchestown last year when winning the 2m Listed Handicap Chase. We have yet to re find that form with him since the handicapper sinking his teeth into him a little bit, but hopefully he comes alive in the springtime this year as he did last year.
Highlands Legacy
Highlands Legacy we aim to run in the Grand Annual on Wednesday. After a slightly frustrating time of it over hurdles, he has really found excellent rhythm since moving over fences, not being out of the first two on four starts. Including winning the Class Two Fitzdares £50,000 Handicap Chase at Windsor during the Winter Millions meeting. He has progressed from a mark of 115 to 133 this season and seems to be in good form at home to continue his upward trajectory. We are looking forward to watching him with his owner The Honourable Mrs Elizabeth Wills whose horses bring her so much joy and is a valued part of the team.
Wellington Arch
Wellington Arch owned by M J Gaskell, holds entries in the BetMGM Cup on the Wednesday and in the County Hurdle on the Friday. We will have a strong look at both races as to which is most suitable for him, but it would be great to see him at Cheltenham for the first time after being such a fantastic horse for us last season, not finding his way out of the first three on all seven outings. Including an excellent win at Aintree in the Grade 3 William Hill Handicap Hurdle. He comes to Cheltenham in great form following an impressive second in this year’s William Hill Hurdle at Newbury on very testing conditions. We look forward to him progressing through the spring and bringing exciting times for The Gaskell Family.
Jipcot
Jipcot holds entries in both of the 2.5m Handicaps. Firstly, on the Tuesday in the plate, and secondly, in the Jack Richards Novices Limited Handicap on Thursday. He has been confirmed for both races and we will have a look at wherever he is most likely to be competitive and get a run. He has some very strong form over fences this season since returning to the larger obstacles. Including an impressive victory at Leicester at the end of January. We are stepping back in trip to 2.5m after not feeling that we saw out the trip completely over 3m at Ascot, despite finishing a very commendable 4th in the Swindly £100,000 Handicap Chase. We look forward to seeing him over the shorter trip and to sharing this exciting experience with his wonderful owners, The Megsons.
Wreckless Eric
Wreckless Eric, also owned by The Megsons, holds an entry in the County Hurdle but also holds an entry in the Imperial Cup tomorrow at Sandown, which he put in such a brave performance to finish 2nd in last year. Hopefully, he can repeat last year’s performance as it would be great to see him land another very memorable day for us, with him being the 1st winner on the joint license at Cheltenham back in November 2024. There is of course the £100,000 bonus for the Imperial Cup/Cheltenham Festival Double and we know how much he loves Prestbury Park – but full focus remains on Sandown at the moment.
Peaky Boy
Peaky Boy has two entries at the Cheltenham Festival this year. Firstly, in the 3m1f Ultima and secondly, in the 2m4f plate. He has some fantastic previous form at Cheltenham – being a three time winner there, twice over hurdles and once over obstacles and finished a very strong 3rd behind Haiti Couleurs, who is in this year’s Gold Cup, beaten by only 3 lengths. We are going to have a look at both options for him. Unfortunately, he took a tumble at Newcastle recently, which was a race he would have been very competitive in, so it was a shame not to see him get around, but hopefully we can put that right and re find some excellent Cheltenham form with him next week. He is owned by our wonderful sponsors Martin and Iwona Tedham. The Wasdell Group are an industry-leading contract service provider specialising in the manufacturing, packaging, storage, and distribution of critical healthcare products, based in Swindon. We would love to see the yellow and navy blue silks come up the hill in front at The Cheltenham Festival once again for the Tedham family and O’Neill racing, as we all remember so fondly.
Monbeg Genius
Monbeg Genius another horse owned by Martin and Iwona Tedham loves Cheltenham so dearly with a very memorable 3rd place finish, beaten by only two and a quarter lengths in the Ultima three years ago behind the subsequent Grand National Winner, Corach Rambler, and subsequent grade one winner, Fastorslow. We look forward to seeing him back at his old stomping ground in the Kim Muir on the Thursday. Where we have Jamie Scallan jocked up to ride, who rode him in his point to point before joining us at Jackdaws. Jamie is very excited about being reunited with him.
All The Glory
All The Glory is entered in the Mares Chase at Cheltenham. She has been a fantastic Horse for the yard and The Coral Racing Club. This is our second Cheltenham Festival runner for The Coral Racing Club which we have had wonderful success with at graded and listed levels and have enjoyed many fantastic days out with members of the club. She has been in great form of recent with a fantastic performance at Windsor over the Winter Millions Festival finishing 3rd, beaten by only a length in the £65,000 Mares Handicap Chase before putting in another bold performance, on softer ground, to finish fourth in the Lady Protectress Mares Listed Chase at Huntingdon.
Wilful
Wilful owned by Mrs Fitri Hay is being aimed at the County Hurdle on Friday. He has been the flag bearer for us so far this season with fantastic performances throughout. Most notably in the Ladbrook Hurdle at Ascot when winning decisively before going on to finish a very credible second at Windsor, on softer ground than he would be at his best on. We look forward to seeing him back on the racecourse where he can continue his fantastic form. We also very much look forward to enjoying this race with owner Mrs Fitri Hay and family.
Red Dirt Road
Red Dirt Road was a bit of a yard star last year with two fantastic wins in the Class 2 £40,000 William Hill Handicap Hurdle at Aintree on Boxing Day, followed up by an excellent win at Sandown in the £100,000 Virgin Bet Heroes Handicap Hurdle in February, where he put on an impressive performance to win by eight lengths. He had a little while off the track and has come on a lot from his first run at Sandown to then finish a pleasing 4th at Haydock. It’s great to see him coming in the right direction as we near the spring festivals where he has his entry in the Pertemps Hurdle. He will also hold an entry in the £100,000 3m Handicap Hurdle on Midlands Grand National Day at Uttoxeter. We will have a look at both options for him and look forward to seeing him back on the racecourse. Red Dirt Road is owned by Dan Walker and we know the whole family will be rooting for him, best of luck for The Walkers.
40 Years Since Dawn Run
Forty years melt away in the mind’s theatre and suddenly the roar of that day returns like it was just yesterday, rolling down Cleeve Hill like thunder, with Cheltenham holding its breath for a bay mare who was about to rewrite the history of National Hunt racing.
Dawn Run had already etched her name into Festival scripture by winning the Champion Hurdle in 1984, but the Cheltenham Gold Cup is the cathedral of the game, a place where legends face their greatest test and dreams more often broken, and this was the impossible dream of a double no horse had ever managed.
With Jonjo in the saddle, she attacked the race with the reckless bravery of the truly gifted, ears pricked, jumping boldly while the gelding aristocracy, Wayward Lad and the defending champion Forgive ‘n Forget, loomed in pursuit.
Turning for home the dream seemed to flicker and fade as the pair swept past her after the last, and Dawn Run, only third, looked a spent force. But Cheltenham has always had room for miracles. The Cheltenham hill, that old examiner of courage, stretched endlessly ahead. Then came the moment stitched forever into racing’s memory by Sir Peter O’Sullevan, his voice lifting with disbelief and wonder: “And the mare’s beginning to get up!” And indeed she was. Stride by stride she clawed back Wayward Lad and swept past close home to win by a length, forging not just a victory but immortality; the Champion Hurdle–Gold Cup double, a feat no horse had managed before and, four decades on, none has managed since.
For Jonjo, that day was very special.
“Firstly, how on earth was this 40 years ago? I must be getting old!
Dawn Run would be right up there with the best I rode. As far as speed was concerned you’d be looking more at the likes of Sea Pigeon, but she was a great, and very tough, mare who achieved incredible things. I was fortunate to be on her on the right days, I guess I had a bit of luck on my side!
You probably don’t appreciate it at the time and it’s only as time goes on that you realise just what you achieved. At the time you’re just doing what you’re paid to do and trying your best.
I remember halfway between the second-last and the last beginning to think I might get there. Then after the second-last I thought, ‘ah jeez, we’re beat’. I couldn’t believe Wayward Lad and Forgive ’n Forget passed us and left us for dead for a few strides. Luckily she picked up again and I knew Wayward Lad might not get home.
I vividly remember the noise of the crowd and the feeling of the day itself, the volume of people on our way back to the winners’ enclosure. It was a very special moment and something I treasure. They’re incredible memories and it’s just amazing to be associated with such a special horse.”
We have dipped into the archives to find some wonderful old photos and footage for you to enjoy.
“I knew they wouldn’t get up the hill a second time!”
Jonjo O’Neill takes a trip down memory lane, remembering Dawn Run’s famous 1986 Gold Cup triumph… pic.twitter.com/iwl835fohV
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) February 25, 2025
Holland Cooper Racing Legends
It was a privilege to by asked to be part of the Holland Cooper Racing Legends alongside a line-up of incredible people from the racing world. It’s not a title I would have ever put on myself, but I was absolutely delighted to be asked.
The ‘Racing Legends’ series by Holland Cooper is a powerful editorial portrait series that celebrates the people who define British racing. The series was unveiled ahead of the Cheltenham Festival and captures the essence of the sport through the portraits of racing legends. The series includes legendary jockeys, sports broadcasters, and other figures who have made significant contributions to the world of horse racing. The portraits were shot in the lead-up to the Cheltenham Festival, revealing the character, authority, and individuality of these racing icons. The series culminates in an iconic group image where generations and disciplines rub shoulders, showcasing the strength of character that unites them.
I was incredibly fortunate to ride some of the greatest horses, most notably Dawn Run, Alverton and Sea Pigeon and train some brilliant ones too for some wonderful owners, including Cheltenham Festival winners Albertas Run, Holywell, Wichita Lineman, Taquin du Seuil, Sky Pirate and, of course, Gold Cup winner Synchronised.
Every day we are reminded how lucky we are that we have the privilege to work with these amazing animals. It’s also very special that I now get to do it with my two sons, Jonj and AJ, striving to achieve lots more Festival winners in the future.
You can watch the promo video on our Instagram page and see some of the photographs from the shoot below.
You can also shop Jonjo’s look HERE.
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February Employee of the Month
Congratulations to Debbie Rees-Jones for being awarded our Employee of the Month.
Debbie joined our team at the start of the year, as the season was well underway heading in to our busiest few months. She has risen to the challenge amazingly and taken it in all her stride. We are very grateful to have her knowledge and expertise as part of our team.
Debbie wins a dinner, bed & breakfast overnight stay at any Accor Hotel of her choice within the UK.
A huge thank you to Chris Ford and Accor for their generous sponsorship of our Employee of the Month which rewards team members with a wonderful experience.
Yogi Breisner at Jackdaws Castle
It was wonderful to have the legend Yogi Breisner here at Jackdaws Castle to work alongside Jonjo O’Neill Jr. to school some of our horses.
Yogi was an instructor and lecturer on jumping at the British Racing School in Newmarket from 1994 – 2021 and was World Class Performance Manager for the British Eventing Team 1999 – 2016.
In a similar way to how we work with Laura Collet, Yogi’s coaching and expertise is incredibly valuable to our team.
We shared a couple of videos on our Instagram where he talks about what he does with jump horses which you can watch below.
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Stable Tour at Jackdaws Castle
Our VIP Stable Tours are incredibly popular and would make the most wonderful gift for a horse racing enthusiast for Christmas this year!
It’s a wonderful opportunity for fans of our great sport to go behind the scenes at one of the most famous training establishments in the UK.
Your day will start at the stunning Lygon Arms in Broadway at 7:15 am, before heading to Jackdaws Castle to watch the horses on the gallops and in the swimming pool, and soaking up the breathtaking scenery of this magical location.
Depending on the day of your visit, you may have the chance to see our top jockeys schooling the horses or observe our resident farriers at work as they prepare the horses.
Your tour culminates with a visit to our Owners’ Suite where you may have the opportunity to meet Jonjo and AJ for a photo opportunity and a chat.
For all the information and how to book, please visit oneill.racing/about-us/stable-tours.
Upcoming Birthdays & Work Anniversaries
Happy birthday to…
Alex Watson
10th March
Lucy Hughes
11th March
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