January 2023

​As I sit here writing this, we are now on day four of no racing in the UK due to the frozen ground. It’s frustrating as we have lots of runners we want to get out, some for their first run of the season, but sadly the elements are out of everyone’s control. Fingers crossed it warms up quickly and we are back racing as soon as possible!

I’m hoping that you all had a lovely festive period and new year. We had a brilliant December with lots of winners, including two hat-tricks and wonderful double on Welsh Grand National Day at Chepstow. These are always great days for our amazing owners and much-deserved days for the team after all the hard work that they all put in every day.

​We welcomed a new member to the O’Neill team on December 20th when Joe and Jojo welcomed baby Finn into the world. He’s a gorgeous little fellow and came up and met the team last week armed with giant cookies for the staff!

The snow fell heavily in mid-December and being one of the highest points in the country, we get our fair share! Although it’s very beautiful, as you would have seen on our social media, it also takes a huge effort to keep the show on the road. The temperatures dropped to -14 degrees here too and the grounds team did an incredible job maintaining the gallops.

​Festival Trials Day takes place at Cheltenham Racecourse on Saturday 28th January and is followed by the Tattersalls January Sale. We will be there to hopefully purchase some new stable stars. If you would like to join us or are interested in any of the lots, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can read all about the sale below.

It’s all about teamwork and we are very lucky to have a wonderful team here at Jackdaws Castle

Thank for all of your continued support.

Stay warm and best wishes,​

Jonjo