O'Neill twice won the British Champion Jockey title

Gloucestershire-based trainer Jonjo O'Neill says he has slim hopes of major success in the National Hunt season.

The Irish trainer, who works for steeplechase owner JP McManus, lost two of his star horses in April.

Exotic Dancer and Wichita Lineman died within 10 days of each other at the Aintree and Irish Grand National meets.

Cork-born O'Neill, 57, told BBC Radio Gloucestershire: "I'd like to be Champion Jumps trainer but we're lacking a few good horses."

Speaking at Cheltenham's opening meeting of the National Hunt season, O'Neill added: "We lost a couple of our best horses last year unfortunately."

The former jockey, who runs Gloucestershire's biggest training yard at Jackdaw Castle, said the season would be one of transition and he maintains high hopes for the future.

"It's a great time, a lot of young horses and all the staff are excited and looking forward to getting going.

"Albertas Run, Can't Push It and Can't Buy Time are our three best horses.

"There won't be any big prizes this time but perhaps there'll be a few [smaller prizes] with those horses."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version