A magical summer!
How can we not start again by talking about the weather? It has been ridiculously hot for the last couple of months, and we could really do with some rain to soften up the ground.
With that said, we were very happy that the sun shone during our two Owners’ Days.
On Sunday 2nd August, we hosted our Summer Lunch. Our yard was transformed into a stunning garden party venue, where our guests enjoyed drinks on the lawn, followed by a parade of horses and a beautiful roast beef lunch.
The following Tuesday, we did it all again! This time after a drinks reception on the lawn, we headed out to the gallops to watch the horses canter in the colours of their owners before enjoying a lovely lunch.
We feel truly lucky to be surrounded by so many supportive owners and friends. A huge thank you to all of our amazing team for making both events unforgettable.
We have shared lots of photos below!
It’s been a fruitful period on the track too with 17 winners for the season notched up with over £140,000 in prize money won.
Since we last spoke, Country Park, Knightsbridge, Likewhatyousee, Boston Savr, God Of Fire, The Great Escape, Mt Fugi Park, Without Burlington, Cawthorne Banker, Cancelled, Gower Park and, most recently, Royal Rhythm have all got their noses in front. Huge congratulations to all the winning connections, we are all delighted for you! You can read about the winners below.
Well that’s pretty much all from us. We are now off to do a rain dance!
Take care and with our best wishes,
Jonjo and AJ
Recent Winners
Summer with our owners!
As we mentioned in the intro, we enjoyed two fabulous days with our owners recently.
The first yard was transformed into a wonderful garden party space where we could all enjoy some champagne, cocktails, canapés, a parade of horses and a fantastic lunch.
The weather was kind on both days, and our team were all fantastic showing owners their horses and riding in the colours on the gallops.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us, we hope you had as much fun as we did!
We have shared a reel and lots of photos below.
View this post on Instagram
AJ takes to the dancefloor!
Get ready for a night of glitz, glamour, and unforgettable dance moves this November as Racing Come Dancing returns to Epsom racecourse.
Taking place on November 8th, 12 couples (including AJ and his siter Louise) will take to the dancefloor in a show-stopping competition, all in support of Racing Welfare, raising funds for those who work tirelessly behind the scenes of the racing industry.
Each couple will perform a Latin or ballroom routine in front of our panel of judges with an aim to win the glitter ball trophy!
It will be a night to remember and you can be there too!
You can find all the information HERE.
Horses For Sale
NATHANIEL EX PRADO (GB)
More about NATHANIEL EX PRADO (GB)
Nathaniel Ex Prado Sale Video
Register Your Interest
Easter Veil GB
More about Easter Veil GB
Easter Veil Sale Video
Register Your Interest
Cawthorne Banker – Jonjo and AJ Racing Club
More about Cawthorne Banker – Jonjo and AJ Racing Club
Register Your Interest
Crystal Ocean ex Ask Hazel
More about Crystal Ocean ex Ask Hazel
Crystal Ocean ex Ask Hazel For Sale Video
Register Your Interest
Employee of the Month
Congratulations to Alex Watson for being awarded our Employee of the Month.
Alex puts a huge amount of effort into his work each day, and his riding has continued to improve. Alex has an incredible patience and gentle, calm way with the youngsters and takes great pride in seeing their improvement. He’s a big team player and a valued member here at Jackdaws Castle.
Alex wins dinner, bed & breakfast overnight stay at any Accor Hotel of his 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.
Legends at The Lygon Arms
An Evening with Jonjo & AJ O’Neill | Monday, 26th October
We are delighted to be heading to the beautiful Lygon Arms for an evening of racing stories, season previews and behind-the-scenes insight from here at Jackdaws Castle.
There will be a wonderful three-course meal from a menu written by the fabulous chef, James Martin.
Hosted by Roger Hart, the conversation will look ahead to the upcoming jumps season, revisit this year’s Cheltenham Festival successes, and celebrate some of the sport’s most memorable moments.
Guests will also enjoy a photo opportunity with both Jonjo and AJ and our Cheltenham Festival trophies.
Your evening includes:
Welcome drink on arrival
Three-course dinner in Tavern by James Martin
Exclusive after-dinner talk with Jonjo O’Neill and AJ O’Neill
National Hunt season preview and racing insights
Photo opportunity with Jonjo’s Cheltenham Festival trophies
Charity raffle featuring a VIP Jackdaws Castle experience and Champagne breakfast for two at The Lygon Arms
The evening will cost £95 per person
For all the information and to book, please visit www.lygonarmshotel.co.uk/things-to-do/legends-at-the-lygon-arms
A real family effort!
As always in the summer holidays, we are joined by Jonjo’s grandchildren. It’s always a lot of fun having them around the yard, helping with odd jobs (removing any stones from the gallops and creating goodie bags for our guests) and, of course, practising coming out of the stalls!
As Jonjo says with the store horses… “it’s good to start them young and get the foundations right!”
Noah came up the week before our owners’ days and got stuck in. They also asked us to mention their little little helpers Jimmy, Rocky and Vinnie!
Meet Jen, our new PA!
If you see a new face in the office, it will be that of our very new Executive Personal Assistant Jen Wiggs who joined us earlier this month.
We asked her for a few words…
“I am so happy to be working at O’Neill Racing. The first few weeks here at Jackdaws Castle have been incredibly exciting, with some fabulous events already taking place, so I’ve enjoyed getting stuck in with the team and meeting many of our owners.
Although I was born in London, I have family in Gloucestershire and spent time in the area from a young age.
A few years after graduating, I joined a legal recruitment firm as an Admin Supervisor. In 2012, I moved to Singapore with the firm to open its new office as Office Manager, before spending time in the same role in Dubai. Returning to London, I worked as PA to the CEO before moving permanently to Gloucestershire.
Prior to joining O’Neill Racing in July, I was PA to the Head of an independent school near Witney.
Outside work, I enjoy travelling, reading and running (very slowly!).”
If you see her in the Owners’ Suite or around the yard, be sure to say hello!
Stable Tour at Jackdaws Castle
Our VIP Stable Tours are incredibly popular and would make the most wonderful gift for a horse racing enthusiast.
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…
Lucy Westlake
15th August
Ruby Taylor
20th August
Johnny Kavanagh
28th August
Hayley Meeking
15th September
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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 joe@oneill.racing.
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