Speculation grows on O’Neill’s future at Jackdaws Castle
The powerful string housed at the state of the art establishment in Temple Guiting was plagued with a virus throughout last winter that forced O’Neill to cease operations for two months, prompting racecourse speculation that a new tenant would be installed at the end of the summer.
When asked to deny reports that have been circulating for weeks, Berry declined to give O’Neill a vote of confidence or confirm that it was business as usual.
“There is no story and I don’t want to comment on anything,” Berry said. “There is no story and that is all I can say.”
It is believed that O’Neill felt some responsibility for the spread of infection from a small number of horses to affect the entire operation and cripple McManus’s plans for raids on the Cheltenham Festival. Though Specular ended a 73-day spell without a win in February, it did not signal a return to business as normal for O’Neill.
Though the former champion jumps jockey was able to saddle runners at the Festival, his team was compromised in number and preparation and he left the meeting empty handed.
O’Neill, who has been the incumbent trainer at the Gloucestershire yard since June 2001 after it was purchased by McManus, said he was unaware of speculation citing his imminent departure, possibly in favour of one of McManus’s trainers in Ireland.
“I don’t know how these things get started,” said O’Neill, “but I have heard nothing. The horses we’ve got in at the moment are fine, I am happy, and I’m really looking forward to the rest of the season.”
The expansion at McManus’s base continues and the purchase of Slade Hill, formerly the base of David Bridgwater, is sure to heighten speculation that significant changes are afoot.
The yard, which currently has room for 40 boxes with room for more, is just a mile from Jackdaws Castle.
O’Neill claimed that there was nothing sinister about the addition and explained: “Everybody has a second yard these days and it makes sense to have one, so that’s the plan. The deal is still on-going, but it will be handy to have it available.”
Berry was keen to emphasise it will be used as nothing more than an “overflow yard”, though the facility already boasts an all-weather gallop and there is room for expansion.
