Bill Joyce’s victory in the Winter Novice Hurdle at Sandown on Friday marked another milestone for Jonjo O’Neill’s stable, which has been showing renewed vigour following the addition of his son, AJ, to the training licence. This triumph was the second Grade Two win for the yard in just two weeks, reflecting a surge in form for the family-run operation.
Jonjo O’Neill has been a prominent figure in jump racing, with major wins including the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Grand National, notably securing Tony McCoy’s long-awaited Aintree win in 2010. However, the yard has faced challenges in recent years, with its performance in the UK trainers’ championship fluctuating. Despite being ranked fifth in the championship as recently as the 2020-21 season, the O’Neill stable has spent the past few years in the mid-to-high teens, underperforming compared to some of its competitors.
Since the official addition of AJ O’Neill to the licence in May, the stable has experienced a resurgence. Bill Joyce’s win on Friday was a strong testament to this rejuvenation. The performance itself was particularly encouraging, with Bill Joyce displaying resilience after a slightly awkward jump at the second-last hurdle. Although this error allowed Quebecois, trained by Paul Nicholls, to close the gap, the O’Neill-trained horse responded well, regaining momentum and pulling away to win by five lengths.
Harry Cobden, aboard Quebecois, had sensed an opportunity after Bill Joyce’s stumble, but AJ O’Neill’s quick handling of the situation allowed his mount to assert itself once more. AJ expressed satisfaction with Bill Joyce’s effort, noting the horse’s potential for future success in staying chases, as well as his ability to stay galloping and get into a nice rhythm when given free rein.
While O’Neill was cautious about making immediate plans for Bill Joyce, the horse’s performance has made him a strong contender for upcoming events. He has been introduced into the betting for the Turners Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, with odds of 20-1, and he is also available at 33-1 (from 66-1) for the Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle. Bill Joyce’s staying power and consistency over hurdles indicate that he could be a promising horse for the future.
Another notable success for the O’Neill stable on the same day was Handstands, who won the Esher Novice Chase. This victory came after a disappointing fall while favourite at Wincanton, but Handstands showed his class by securing a solid win by three-and-a-half lengths at Sandown, making most of the running. Jockey Ben Jones, who rode Handstands, expressed his relief and satisfaction with the horse’s performance, which had been more assured compared to his previous outing. This win has put Handstands on the radar for the Cheltenham Festival, with odds of around 40-1 for the three-mile Grade One novice chase.
The success of O’Neill’s horses highlights the renewed strength of the stable and the effectiveness of the changes made with AJ now part of the operation. As the team prepares for the upcoming festivals, including the Cheltenham Festival in March, expectations are rising for their talented young horses. Bill Joyce, in particular, seems poised for a bright future in the staying chase division, while Handstands may also continue to develop as a contender over fences.
Looking ahead to Saturday’s races, conditions at both Sandown and Aintree are uncertain due to the forecast of high winds and rain from Storm Darragh, leading to precautionary inspections. However, if the weather permits, Jonbon is expected to dominate in the Grade One Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown, with his odds suggesting a strong chance of victory. The Becher Handicap Chase at Aintree, which takes place over the Grand National fences, is another highly anticipated race, especially given its unique challenges and the reputation of recent winners who have successfully navigated the formidable obstacles.
In other races, David Pipe’s Richmond Lake is considered a strong contender for a repeat win in the Grand Sefton Chase, having impressed in previous outings. Meanwhile, at Sandown, the front-running Knickerbockerglory is expected to be tough to pass in his race, after a solid win last season. L’Eau Du Sud also remains unbeaten over fences and is a serious contender in the first Grade One novice chase of the British season. Despite some tough competition, the Sandown card promises to provide thrilling action for racing fans.
As the O’Neill stable continues to show its potential, it will be interesting to see how the horses perform in the coming months, particularly as they approach the key meetings at Cheltenham and beyond. The resurgence of Jonjo and AJ O’Neill’s operation bodes well for the future of the stable, and Bill Joyce’s victory is just the beginning of what could be an exciting season ahead.
