'It's a bit nerve-racking now' - Jonjo O'Neill expresses concerns as report details top owners choosing Ireland over Britain

Jonjo O'Neill: "We've got to make sure we look after owners"Credit: Edward Whitaker

Gold Cup-winning trainer Jonjo O'Neill called for British racing to get together and address an alarming trend of leading domestic owners choosing to send top horses to Irish yards.

It comes after a Racing Post special report published on Wednesday highlighted the issue. Owners stated Ireland's greater recent Cheltenham Festival record, more attractive programme and better prize-money in big races were major factors leading to a smaller proportion of high-class performers being trained in Britain.

There has been a struggle to pull in owners among British trainers, including for Irish-born O'Neill, who trains from the world-class Jackdaws Castle facility near Cheltenham.

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James StevensWest Country correspondent

Published on 29 November 2023inBritain

Last updated 18:15, 29 November 2023

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