Dane O’Neill replaces Tadhg O’Shea for Sheikh Hamdan
Acquiring and then retaining the best in the horse racing industry is something that Sheikh Hamdan is planning for the upcoming season. With the freezing of the contract with jockey, Tadhg O’Shea, the Sheikh has resorted to the thirty-seven-year-old, Dane
O’Neill. The employer initially was double minded about his decision of stamping the termination of the Tadhg O’Shea who has been with the team for the last three years.
He concluded upon retaining a second jockey for the Britain set-up that serves a source of his major representation in the races around the globe.
The previously retained jockey was quick to jump through the ranks after winning for the first time with, Class Society, at Tipperary. From the famous apprentice jockey he got the honour of being the Champion Apprentice in 2001 and 2002. The titles got him
the deserved attention of many high profile trainers that got his career on the roll, and exposed him to invaluable learning and experience.
His riding expertise got him the contract with Sheikh Hamdan, and the two enjoyed the partnership as long as it did not end.
The jockey has revealed that he will serve as a retained jockey for Jimmy Long’s Thistle Farm Ireland operation.
Dane O’Neill has raced more than 1,300 winners in Britain, however his only graded success was for trainer, Richard Hannon. The jockey and Bold Edge brought back to the stable the 2000 Prix Maurice de Gheest.
His racing manager Angus Gold said: "Dane O'Neill will ride for us from next season onwards. Sheikh Hamdan has a lot of horses and wanted to have a second jockey. Dane is highly experienced. He rides for a considerable number of trainers and will be an ideal
back-up to Paul."
"Next season, when not required by Sheikh Hamdan, I hope to ride work and continue my association with Mr Candy. We've been together a long time and it has been a really good partnership, with more ups than downs. He has been really good to me and a gentleman
to work for."
Dane O’Neill could get the contract owing to the talent and potential that he has brought to the tracks time and again. Working for Sheikh Hamdan will add to his already commendable profile.
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