An Interview with Jonjo O'Neill Jr

At only 24, Jonjo O’Neill Junior is following in the footsteps of his legendary father and namesake who won many big races as a jockey during the 1980s.

They are a formidable duo on the racecourse and have big hopes for this coming winter.

What is your first racing memory?
'Black Jack Ketchum who was a phenomenal little horse trained by Dad when I was a boy. He wasn’t big but very talented and won many good races, including Grade 1s. He was owned by family friends, Derek and Gay Smith, which made it extra special.'

When did you realise you wanted to become a jockey?
'By the time pony racing came along for me, I already had my mind set on being a jockey. I used to take my Connemara pony up the gallops behind the racehorses and I always rode ‘up the skutts’ thinking I was a jockey. Poor Starboy would only last about two furlongs before he was out on his feet!'

Growing up, which jockeys did you admire?
'AP McCoy. I was very lucky to be brought up with him around. I admired how mentally and physically tough he was; how he used to lift horses from nowhere to win on the line was always his trademark.

I also loved Kieren Fallon and Frankie Dettori – both had very different styles but were both so effective.'

What race days do you particularly remember as a kid?
'I was lucky enough to be at the 2010 Grand National when Don’t Push It won and the 2012 Gold Cup when Synchronised won. I’m grateful I was old enough to really appreciate what had just happened.

More recently, I’ll never forget the 2020 Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury when Cloth Cap won. I couldn’t ride him as he had bottom weight. I had fallen early on one of Colin Tizzard’s, but I was standing by the last fence as Tom Scudamore jumped the last on Cloth Cap. I probably haven’t screamed as hard in my life. At the time, I was riding a lot for Dad and it had been a few years since we’d had a big winner. I was just over the moon for the yard and the team, but especially for Dad.'

What is it like having a former Champion Jockey as a father?
'People always said that I have ‘huge boots to fill’, but I never saw that as a negative. I honestly take it as a challenge and a direction; something to work towards. Dad was a fantastic jockey and was so popular (partly, I think, because he was such a nice guy), which makes me immensely proud. To ride 149 winners in a season back in the ‘80s was just unbelievable, and only by me riding now do I really appreciate what an achievement it was. Obviously, his wins on Dawn Run in the Champion Hurdle and the Gold Cup (a feat that hasn’t been achieved since and on a mare too) has put Dad into racing folklore which makes me proud.'

What have been your best days as a jockey so far?
'I’ve been very fortunate to have had a few great winners so far. Winning on Champ, who’s named after AP and owned by Mr JP McManus and family, was very special as it was my first Grade 1.

Winning the Betfair Hurdle on Soaring Glory was brilliant because it was my first big winner for Dad and we’d brought him as an unbroken three-year-old, so we saw his progression all the way through.

Another day I’ll never forget was winning the last race at the 2019 Cheltenham Festival on Early Doors for Joseph O’Brien and JP. Winning at the Festival was something I had dreamt of since I was seven, riding the arm of the sofa, pretending it was there. The McManus family have been very good to my family and have known me since I was born – so it was literally stuff of dreams.'

What race would you most like to ride the winner of?
'The Cheltenham Gold Cup – it’s the pinnacle of our sport and, I think, everyone hopes to be riding a Gold Cup horse, let alone a Gold Cup winner.'

Who is your racing hero?
'My Dad. He came from a very modest background not in racing, travelled over to England and made something of himself. He was Champion Jockey twice, and managed to win a Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup twice as a jockey. He overcame serious racing injuries, had cancer twice and managed to win the Gold Cup and Grand National as a trainer. He is the hardest man I know and has got so much experience in every aspect of life.

To be honest, Dad’s just a complete inspiration.'

What are your future aims?
'Every jockey’s aim should be Champion Jockey. It’s the top accolade a jockey can get and it’s something I’m striving towards. But you have to be realistic and, frankly, I don’t have enough ammunition at the moment to be in contention - but it’s something in the future I can hope that can happen.'

Favourite racecourse?
'Cheltenham as it’s my local track and has an atmosphere like no other. It really is the theatre of dreams and I hope I can have some more great days there in the future.'

Favourite meeting?
'I love the Grand National meeting at Aintree. The buzz is brilliant, it’s slightly more relaxed than Cheltenham and the Liverpudlian people are great craic. Yet, my favourite does have to be the Cheltenham Festival – the whole season is geared towards those four days and it really is our sport’s Olympics. It’s so competitive, which makes it special to win there.'