The O’Neill name is well-known in the world of racing, with Jonjo O’Neill becoming a household name thanks to his efforts in the saddle in the 1970s and 1980s.
However, having built up his Jackdaws Castle stables in the Cotswolds since retiring from riding, O’Neill Sr has seen his sons AJ and Jonjo Jr become an integral part of the family’s training setup.
Successful amateur rider AJ joined his father on the licence in April 2024, and it’s a move that has paid off according to AJ’s brother Jonjo who told Sporting Life in the second of their David Power Jockeys’ Cup podcast series: “It’s great because Dad’s got all the experience in the world and we’ve got some new ideas and Dad’s very willing to try them.
“I think it’s definitely brought a new dimension in. It’s another pair of eyes and ears and because we’re all family as well, we’re all singing off the same hymn sheet.
“So, it’s not really like a job for any of us. It’s just a way of life – we’re very lucky.”
With the closeness that comes with family working together also bringing its challenges, O’Neill explains that there is only one boss at Jackdaws Castle.
He added: “We all have our fair share of moments, to be honest, but mum (Jacqui) is the boss.
“She’s a massive part of it, especially on the business side with the owners – she’s absolutely brilliant.”
O’Neill – who picked up 10 points in the David Power Jockeys’ Cup when riding Springwell Bay to win the Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day – acknowledges the example of his father’s work ethic as key to his own early success in the saddle, but is also well aware of the hard graft put in by others at the yard.
Crediting Alan Berry and Jonny Kavanagh in particular, O’Neill explained: “We’re very lucky we’ve got some experienced members of staff that could probably train in their own right.
“So, to have them in the yard, when you’re racing or at the sales having busy days, you just know that the yard’s going to run like clockwork.
“Those sorts of people are very hard to find now.”
Harry Skelton celebrates another winner (Pic: FocusOnRacing/Dan Abraham)
Harry Skelton is confident that targeting the most winnable races with his brother Dan’s stable stars will lead to a good second half of the 2024/25 season – and help him land the top prize of £500,000 in the David Power Jockeys’ Cup.
Skelton, who tops the leaderboard on 232 points – 28 clear of second-placed Sam Twiston-Davies – with 10 weeks of the competition to run, explained that picking the right opportunities will prove crucial over the coming months.
He told Sporting Life in the first of their David Power Jockeys’ Cup podcast series: “Grey Dawning will probably head to Kelso for the Premier Chase and then onto Aintree for the Bowl.
“His owner wants to run him the race that we think he is most likely to win.
“Tom Messenger, our assistant who has a big role to play in the operation, he rides him every day, he knows the horse inside out, and we just feel that the best chance we have is at Aintree.
“He had a hard enough race on very testing ground in the Betfair Chase at Haydock and then it was all over very quickly in the King George.
“If that had gone differently, we might have carried on with the Gold Cup dream, but unfortunately this year we won’t be.”
Similarly, Country Mile, an impressive winner at Cheltenham in December, will likely head to Scotland next rather than join stablemate Valgrand in the County Hurdle.
“Country Mile – you can put a line through his last run as he ran him too quickly on poor ground – might head to Kelso for the Premier Hurdle and then to Aintree, like Grey Dawning.”
However, the Skeltons will still head to the Cheltenham Festival with a strong team, hoping to build on their best-ever tally of four winners which they picked up 12 months ago. The yard is currently leading the Trainers’ Championship thanks to over 130 winners and more than £2million in prize money.
Skelton explained that reigning Ryanair champion Protektorat will head straight to the Festival – ‘he’s come out of Windsor really well’ – and will be joined by leading Arkle hope L’Eau du Sud, another horse who includes Sir Alex Ferguson amongst his owners.
Unbeaten in three starts over fences, L’Eau du Sud was an impressive winner of the Betfair Henry VIII Novices’ Chase when last seen at the start of December.
Skelton said: “L’Eau du Sud will run in the Kingmaker at Warwick and then onto the Arkle.
“Sir Gino and many others will make sure that it won’t be as easy as when he won at Cheltenham in November but he’s the best we have and hopefully he will have a chance.
“Even if we are second to Sir Gino then I’ll pick up 10 points in the David Power Jockeys’ Cup and all the points are welcomed!”
On their team of handicappers, Skelton also provided positive updates on Unexpected Party, who will head back to the Grand Annual that he won 12 months ago, and Be Aware who will step back up in distance in the Coral Cup.
“Be Aware will go straight to the Coral Cup. I think he’s got a big chance stepping back up in trip,” said Skelton.
“We’ve kept him at two miles this year as he’s a bit headstrong and can be a bit keen and he didn’t have much experience.
“He’s the type of horse who could blow his race if getting a bump, he’s quite highly-strung. But hopefully now he’s learnt a bit more and I think he will go well.”
Although much of the focus on the David Power Jockeys’ Cup has been on the life-changing top prize of £500,000 awarded to the leading rider at the end of Aintree’s Grand National meeting, the impact on younger, less experienced riders will be felt just as much.
That’s the view of the 2020/21 Champion Jockey Harry Skelton, who leads the current Jockeys’ Cup standings with 232 points, and is full of praise for a competition that has made him reflect on his own beginnings in the sport.
The leading conditional jockey receives £25,000, with the runner-up picking up £5,000, and, as with the main prize fund, the trainer and stable staff also receive an additional 10%.
Skelton told Sporting Life in the first of their David Power Jockeys’ Cuppodcast series: “When you’re young and coming through, that’s massive money and it will be a big boost for whoever wins.
“It’s prize money that wasn’t in the sport at this time last year – it’s a completely separate pot of money that’s come into racing.”
Dylan Johnston – whose highest-profile win this season came on Lump Sum in the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las – may be chasing Freddie Gingell in the Conditional Jockeys’ Championship, but he currently leads him by 12 points in the Jockeys’ Cup standings.
Dylan Johnston Pic: Focus On Racing/Dan Abraham
Young Irish jockey Johnston finished fourth on his first ride as a conditional in a Thurles bumper in 2018, and credits Stuart Crawford for the experience he gave him in points and under rules, and Skelton believes that improving the point-to-point and amateur riding scene in Britain is crucial to the future of horse racing.
Skelton remembers: “I rode my claim out quick and I was with Paul Nicholls, but [after that] I had one season with eight winners. I wasn’t really ready. I never thought about stopping but I had to keep going, as I’d ridden out my claim and had no experience against older jockeys.
“You have to get that good foundation first. I think it’s a good idea to stay amateur and ride in point-to-points for as long as you can before you’re ready to go and ride on the track.
“We really need to support the point-to-points – I think that’s the big difference between England and Ireland – and we’ve bought some lovely young horses from the likes of Charlie Poste, Tom Ellis and John Dawson.
“People don’t always like change but it’s really important to give young riders a chance on quality horses, which is what we’ve been trying to do with some of our older horses.”
Though thankful for the leg up he received thanks to an illustrious father – then-58-year-old Nick Skelton became the oldest British Olympian gold medalist in 2016 – Harry recalls the hard work of his formative years.
He explained: “I went into racing when I was 16, riding out at Reg Hollinshead’s, and when Dad broke his neck in 2000 that’s when Dan and I decided to go into racing properly.
“Dad and my grandad – who is 94 – are our biggest critics which isn’t exactly what you want to hear when you’ve not given one the greatest ride!
“All I ever wanted to be was Champion Jockey. Luckily it happened and I’m in with a chance of it again this year.”
There was no let up on the weather front last weekend. Kempton on Saturday was called off and I had to detour to Ffos Las where I picked up a couple of rides. I did leave with a win and a second, though, so it wasn’t a disaster by any means.
No racing on Sunday meant I got to spend the day at the Farmer’s Dog, Jeremy Clarkson’s new pub. I’m a big fan of the show so it was great to get down there with my partner and her two brothers for a Sunday lunch. I’m no food critic but the meal was very good. I think Jeremy is actually involved with a horse called The Hawkstonian trained by Ben Pauling and I think it’s great to have characters like him getting involved the sport. Apart from that I’ve been a lot busier riding out this week as the weather has mellowed and horses are getting back into their routine. On that note, I’m at Ascot on Saturday for a great day’s racing highlighted by the Clarence House Chase and then on to Windsor for the final day of the Berkshire Winter Millions meeting.
My Ascot rides in the David Power Jockeys’ Cup
In the 2m5f chase (2.15) I ride Terresita and will be hoping to pick up some Jockeys’ Cup points. She’s running off a career-high mark in this after finishing third around here last time. It was a really good race, but things just happened a bit quick for her that day. She didn’t mind the track at all though, and the ground should be a bit slower for her here which I think she’ll appreciate. Before that run she won a Listed race and I think she’ll have every chance.
Laurens Bay (4.02) is a really nice, big, scopey horse and I’m happy to be riding him for Jamie Snowden. He’s taken a bit of time to get ready and he can be quite workmanlike, but 2m5f around here should suit him. It’s not a big field, and that shouldn’t matter to him, but he is a progressive horse and hopefully he can back up his win from last time in this.
And on to Windsor on Sunday…
Guard Duty (1.20) is a horse that I probably should have won on in his last race when he finished second at Lingfield. I felt like I was on the best horse in the race on that occasion and it’s never ideal when you don’t win and you feel like that, but hopefully knowing him a bit more now, I can go one better and get the result in this.
Git Maker (2.30) has been off the track since April of last year when he was third in the Scottish Grand National and before that finished second at the Cheltenham Festival. He ran a massive race in the former and I was really pleased with him. Coming back to hurdles in this I’d imagine he’s a horse that will need the run, but I’m hoping he can run a respectable race.
I ride Animal (3.40) in the Fitzdares Winter Stayers’ Handicap Chase over an extended three and a half miles. The plan was originally to run in the Sussex Grand National earlier this month but unfortunately that meeting fell to the weather. I think he might just suit this track, and if the field end up going quite quickly (which I think they will do) then it should suit him as he’s a hold up horse and can pick up the pieces. He’s still off a winnable mark so hopefully he can go well.
Finally, I ride One Knight (4.10) who won a bumper at a big price but his odds will be shorter here now that he has shown we can go. He’s a nicely bred horse and I actually won on his mother in a Listed race some seven years ago! It’s great to be back in the colours of Paul Jacobs, but I think the horse to beat in this will be El Cairos for Gary and Josh Moore who showed a lot of speed and class when winning at Newbury.
Harry Fry was delighted and relieved in equal measure after seeing stable star Gidleigh Park get his season back on track with a front-running victory in the Fitzdares Lightning Novices’ Chase at Windsor.
However, despite having to settle for second place aboard Caldwell Potter, it was also good news for jockey Harry Cobden as two runner-up finishes saw him move into second place in the David Power Jockeys’ Cup standings.
Bryan Carver, winning rider of Gidleigh Park
Always held in the highest regard by his trainer, Gidleigh Park won a Chepstow bumper and his first three starts over hurdles before finishing sixth in the Albert Bartlett at last season’s Cheltenham Festival.
He was an odds-on favourite to make a successful switch to chasing at Kempton in November, but was pulled up after jumping five fences and was later found to be suffering from a fibrillating heart.
As a result, Gidleigh Park lined up in this Grade Two contest as a 15-2 outsider of four under Bryan Carver, but it was clear from an early stage he was enjoying the task, as he set a strong gallop from flag-fall that only 4-6 favourite Caldwell Potter was able to live with.
Grade One-winning hurdler Caldwell Potter, a €740,000 purchase on behalf of an ownership group that includes Sir Alex Ferguson, loomed up looking a big danger early in the home straight, but Gidleigh Park kept galloping out in front and was well on top as he passed the post with four lengths in hand.
At the end of the first day of the Winter Millions Meeting, Harry Skelton tops the leaderboard with 194 points, but a pair of runner-up finishes for Cobden was enough to see him move into second place on 170, just ahead of Nico de Boinville on 168.
The David Power Jockeys’ Cup moves – somewhat unexpectedly – to West Wales on Saturday with Ffos Las playing host to four races in which points are up for grabs. Great British Racing caught up with Gavin Sheehan to find out how he’s been battling the freezing temperatures…
The cold snap over the past week has affected everyone and racing has found itself in some tricky situations over the last-minute abandonments at different meetings. I was victim to one of these when I made my way up to Musselburgh last Friday for the fixture to be called off just minutes before the first.
I had flown in that morning and I when I arrived at the track I could have told you there was no way racing was going ahead. So I had to wait for my return flight and head back down south which was not ideal. Still, I’m one to look on the bright side of these things and over the past week I’ve got to spend a lot of time with my family that I wouldn’t usually be able to, and the one bit of racing we’ve had at Taunton [Wednesday] was fruitful for me with a win and a second from my two rides.
As well as spending time at home with the family I’ve been keeping my competitive juices flowing by taking on Daryl Jacob and David Crosse at crazy golf and laser tag. Daryl has obviously been playing a lot of crazy golf since his retirement a couple of weeks ago as he won our competition!
I’m a big fan of golf so while it was a shame the weather meant I couldn’t get a round in this week, I was able to go to the Toptracer driving range in Swindon and then enjoy a game of padel. I now get the hype around padel, and I’ll be using it to keep up my fitness as it sure gives you a workout – I can still feel it now…
I think everyone’s keen for us to get some racing in as soon as possible so we can resume the David Power Jockeys’ Cup as we’re all missing out on potential points, and you never know how tight things may get towards the end when we finish up at Aintree.
My strategy is just get as many rides as possible in the ITV Racing window and nick points wherever I can. Ultimately, I think it’s Harry Skelton’s for the taking – he has such a strong hand with the ammunition they have in Dan’s [Skelton] yard this season and he is obviously gunning for the Champion Trainer title. As I said before, I’d be delighted to be in the top ten when we near the end of the competition, but who knows what could happen. It is racing, after all.
It was disappointing to lose Kempton’s scheduled meeting for Saturday as I was really looking forward to the ride on Navajo Indy. He’s an improving horse and I think he’s one to follow.
Thankfully I’ve picked up a couple of rides on Up For Parol and Getaway With You in Jockeys’ Cup races at Ffos Las – here’s hoping the meeting beats the morning inspection and we get some jumps racing in.
Charlie Deutsch moved into sixth in the David Power Jockeys’ Cup standings as he and Venetia Williams notched yet another big winner when Victtorino was produced to lead right on the line to win the Howden Silver Cup Handicap Chase for the second successive year at Ascot.
He was sent off the 5-2 favourite having caught the eye in finishing third in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury, despite making several jumping errors that day.
While his jumping was not foot perfect again, Victtorino did save his best leap for last, when it really mattered.
The pace had been relentless throughout, with three horses helping set it in Trelawne, The Changing Man and Threeunderthrufive.
While that trio were exerting themselves, Deutsch, riding full of confidence after big race wins on Royale Pagaille, Martator, Gemirande and Djelo already this season, was happy to sit detached from the main group.
He gradually moved into contention and with three fences to jump he was fourth, with by now just The Changing Man out in front.
Running down to the last, it was all going to come down to the jumping and Deutsch saw a beautiful stride, which Victtorino agreed with, and they landed running, helping them win by half a length.
It was the second time this season Joe Tizzard’s The Changing Man had been denied in a valuable Saturday event by Williams, having come off second best in the Rehearsal Chase behind Frero Banbou.
“I thought halfway up the run-in that he wasn’t going to get there, all credit to the second horse. He’ll be fed up with us because he’s seen our backsides the last two Saturdays he’s run,” said Williams.
“I think it (the ride) was absolutely fantastic. It wasn’t quite Paul Carberry, because he gets there with an intention of being last-minute, but that wasn’t Charlie’s intention. The intention would have been to get there earlier.
“The important thing is that he jumped better today. As soon as he jumped the first, he met it slightly long and then came up, I think we both thought we were in business.
“His jumping was so much better and that was key. If that had fallen apart, everything would have fallen apart.
“Ascot have got a series of these three-milers, I think there’s one at the meeting in January.”
The David Power Jockeys’ Cup is here to spotlight jockeys as true stars of the sport, bringing fresh excitement to Jumps racing and engaging with a new generation of fans. With big prizes and intense rivalries, this is Jumps racing like never before.
Who are the stakeholders behind the DPJC?
The David Power Jockeys’ Cup (DPJC) is a joint effort led by the Flutter Group, with ITV, Great British Racing (GBR), the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA), The Jockey Club, and Racecourse Media Group (RMG) all playing key roles. The PJA and several top jockeys have also contributed to shaping the DPJC.
Why name it after David Power?
David Power’s passion for Jumps racing and dedication to making it accessible are legendary. The David Power Jockeys’ Cup honours his legacy, putting fans and jockeys at the centre of the sport he loved.
David Power at the Cheltenham Festival in 2018 (Healy Racing)
Why has the DPJC been introduced on top of the existing Jockeys’ Championship?
The David Power Jockeys’ Cup brings a fresh layer of excitement to Jumps racing, offering a league-style competition that fans can easily follow, race by race, throughout the season. While the traditional Jockeys’ Championship celebrates overall wins, the DPJC dives deeper by highlighting the intense rivalries and personal stories behind the bigger races, all on ITV, creating more ways for fans to connect with the sport.
With the largest jockeys’ prize fund in Jumps racing history, the David Power Jockeys’ Cup offers substantial incentives for jockeys and recognises the contributions of trainers and stable staff, generating extra buzz and attracting new fans. It’s not a replacement for the existing championship but a thrilling addition designed to make Jumps racing more accessible, engaging, and fan-focused.
By showcasing jockeys and their rivalries in a way that’s exciting for both loyal fans and newcomers, the David Power Jockeys’ Cup aims to create unforgettable moments, build fan loyalty, and celebrate the skill and resilience that make Jumps racing so captivating.
What makes the DPJC different from other jockey competitions?
The David Power Jockeys’ Cup boasts a monumental £1.5 million prize fund, the largest in Jumps racing history, and uses an engaging league format, making it easy for fans to follow and thrilling to watch.
Who’s funding the DPJC?
The Flutter Group, parent company of Paddy Power, Sky Betting & Gaming, and Betfair, is funding the David Power Jockeys’ Cup, showcasing its commitment to celebrating and growing the sport.
How does the DPJC’s prize distribution work?
The David Power Jockeys’ Cup rewards not only jockeys but also their trainers and stable staff. The top 10 jockeys receive prize money, with additional awards for their trainers and stable staff. For example, the winning jockey will take home £500,000, with £50,000 each going to their trainer and stable staff.
£1.5 million for jockeys is a considerable sum in an industry facing financial challenges. Could this money be better spent elsewhere?
£1.5 million is indeed a significant sum, especially for an industry facing financial challenges. But this fund isn’t just for jockeys – it also supports trainers, racing staff, and even helps secure unprecedented media access to bring fans closer to the action. We believe the David Power Jockeys’ Cup will not only energise current fans but attract new audiences, which benefits the entire industry. Whether it’s bringing in new racegoers, attracting sponsors, or reaching more punters, the DPJC aims to create a positive ripple effect across Jumps racing.
Why isn’t the Grand National part of the DPJC?
The Grand National is a landmark event all on its own. The David Power Jockeys’ Cup season finale will be just before it, keeping the Grand National as a standalone spectacle while ramping up the excitement leading up to it.
How does the points system work?
Points are awarded based on performance in races broadcast on ITV: 1st place: 10 points. 2nd place: 8 points. 3rd place: 6 points. 4th place: 4 points.
Why are only ITV-broadcast races included?
ITV provides the widest reach as a free-to-air broadcaster, ideal for introducing Jumps racing to a larger audience. The David Power Jockeys’ Cup also features on Champions: Full Gallop, ITV’s docuseries that offers exclusive behind-the-scenes access throughout the season.
Why don’t owners receive a share of the DPJC prize money?
The David Power Jockeys’ Cup prize fund is uniquely structured to reward jockeys based on their cumulative performances throughout the competition rather than race-by-race outcomes. This approach sets the DPJC apart from traditional prize funds, which are distributed among winning and placed horses on a per-race basis. Additionally, prizes for trainers and racing staff are determined by the stable that provides the winning jockeys across the season, rather than on individual race results.
Is the DPJC a one-off event or here to stay?
We’re confident the David Power Jockeys’ Cup will be a resounding success, and if fans embrace it as we hope, we’d be thrilled to make it a fixture in the Jumps racing calendar. The DPJC is all about building season-long stories, rivalries, and new traditions that fans can look forward to year after year.
What’s the plan for the DPJC trophy?
The David Power Jockeys’ Cup trophy will be revealed later in the season, designed to reflect the prestige and spirit of this competition.
Standing at 1.5m tall, the David Power Jockeys’ Cup trophy serves as a fitting tribute to the monumental talent and resilience shown by the jockeys competing for the Cup. Constructed from composite metals, the unique trophy will be partly made using melted down horse shoes in recognition of the unique bond between jockey and horse.
Fans can look forward to its grand unveiling when the champion jockey is crowned at Aintree.
How does the DPJC support diversity in racing?
By celebrating jockeys and showcasing their stories, the DPJC aims to inspire new talent and promote a more inclusive future for Jumps racing.
What is the story behind the trophy?
Standing at 1.5m tall, the DPJC is one the largest trophies in sport and serves as fitting tribute to the monumental talent and resilience shown by the jockeys competing for the Cup. Constructed from composite metals, the unique trophy will be partly made using melted down horse shoes in recognition of the unique bond between jockey and horse.
The launch of the David Power Jockeys’ Cup has predictably been well received by leading riders in the weighing room.
Harry Cobden and Harry Skelton seem certain to be central figures over the coming months, with lucrative prizes now giving them an even greater incentive to excel in the saddle.
“This season is set to be very exciting, and I can’t wait to be part of the inaugural David Power Jockeys’ Cup,” said Cobden, the Champion Jump Jockey.
“It’s a huge amount on offer and I’m sure will create some great competition as we’ll all be trying to win as many of those ITV races as we can.”
Skelton will be hoping to celebrate plenty of big-race wins in ITV races over the months ahead.
He said: “The David Power Jockeys’ Cup is a new pinnacle in the sport. There’s nothing quite like the adrenaline of competing with the best, and knowing the fans are behind us makes it even more special.
“This is our chance to put it all on the line, win a transformative amount of money, and honour the legacy of a true racing legend. I couldn’t be more excited to get started.”
Record-breaker Rachael Blackmore, the only female jockey to have ridden the winner of the Grand National, has also applauded the new initiative.
“The David Power Jockeys’ Cup adds a massive layer of excitement to what already promises to be another highly competitive season,” she said.
“It’s great to see this level of innovation and investment in racing, particularly towards jockeys. The prizes on offer are incredible. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the very best of the sport.”