Table of Contents
- Trainer's Decision
- Recent Performance
- Explanation from Jonjo Jr.
- Upcoming Races
- Remember to Gamble Responsibly
A Grand National-winning trainer and the individual behind AP McCoy’s greatest achievement has withdrawn all his horses from races effective immediately.
Jonjo O’Neill, who orchestrated McCoy’s 2010 Aintree triumph on Don’t Push It, has not had a runner since November 11.
Jonjo O’Neill was the mastermind behind AP McCoy’s unforgettable Grand National victory on Don’t Push It – however, he has decided to withdraw all his runners from races for the remainder of the seasonCredit: Reuters
The Jackdaws owner trains alongside his son AJ, but none of their horses have appeared on a racecourse since Macmolly finished sixth of eight in a Class 5 mares’ handicap hurdle at Lingfield, beaten by 62 lengths, 16 days ago.
The O’Neills achieved three victories in October but only one in November and one in September, bringing their total prize money for the three months to just over £120,000.
Jonjo’s son, Jonjo Jr, spoke out to clarify the situation at the yard and the reasons for the absence of races.
After his win on the Evan Williams-trained Melton Mossy at Taunton, he told Racing TV’s Jess Stafford: “Dad and AJ were not satisfied with how the horses were starting off the season.
“They conducted tests throughout the yard and noticed that there was evidently something amiss.
“It’s certainly frustrating – it takes a lot of courage to make this call at this time of year.
“We still had many horses performing well and several promising horses in the yard, but they were not content with their condition, so they decided to pause operations.
“Tests were conducted, and it was revealed that there was indeed an issue.
“I believe most of them are now on the mend, and I hope that starting from the end of next week, we will begin to race a few once again.
“We lost a month due to the ground conditions, and we have now missed another month – we haven’t had anything out.
“It takes considerable bravery to do this.
“Dad has a wealth of experience, and he simply wasn’t satisfied with their performance.
“His judgment has seen far more than mine, and we needed to trust in him.
“It has been challenging for the yard, but we still have the horses, and when they are ready, they will return strong.
“We are eager to get back to racing. Hopefully, Dad, AJ, and the owners will be rewarded for their patience.
The O’Neills’ first runner back could be Sugar Road in a maiden hurdle at Southwell on Tuesday.
However, Jonjo Jr indicated that it may take a few more weeks before they fully resume racing.
He added: “We hope to start with a couple of horses in the next few weeks – but it will likely be closer to Christmas time.
“It’s disappointing to miss November, but there is still a significant portion of the season remaining.”
Remember to Gamble Responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Sets time and monetary limits before playing
- Only wagers money they can afford to lose
- Never chases their losses
- Avoids gambling when feeling upset, angry, or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our .
Why has Jonjo O’Neill pulled his horses from races?
Jonjo O’Neill has withdrawn all his horses due to concerns about their performance at the start of the season. After conducting tests, they discovered there was an issue affecting the horses.
When can we expect to see the horses back in races?
The O’Neills hope to start racing a couple of horses again in the next few weeks, with a possibility of resuming by Christmas time.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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