BBC SPORT | Other Sports | Horse Racing

BBC SPORT BBC News >> Graphics version >> Change to UK edition >>

Wednesday, 13 November, 2002, 22:41 GMT

Jonjo O'Neill

One of the greatest ever jump jockeys, O'Neill is now starting to have a big impact as a trainer.

In the saddle, the Irishman's greatest triumph was in partnership with Dawn Run, the only horse to have won both the Champion Hurdle and the Gold Cup.

Jonjo O'Neill
Born: 13 April, 1952
Started training: 1990
Base: Jackdaws Castle
2001/02 winners: 113
Main jockey: Liam Cooper
Stable stars: Keen Leader, Intersky Falcon, Carbury Cross, Rhinestone Cowboy

He also guided Sea Pigeon to victory in the Champion Hurdle and to Flat glory in the Tote Ebor and had another Gold Cup win on Alverton.

Twice champion jockey, he retired with 885 winners and then came through his biggest battle - with cancer.

His first big winner as a trainer came with Gipsy Fiddler at Royal Ascot in 1990.

A Cheltenham winner in the shape of Danny Connors followed a year later.

His first decade as a trainer saw him based at Penrith in Cumbria.

But in 2001 one of his main owners, JP McManus, installed him in the famous training establishment of Jackdaws Castle in Gloucestershire.

His career has really taken off since then and last season he reached the century mark for winners for the first time.

Internet links: Jonjo O'Neill
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites