General Chat

I haven't caught the news yet today so hadn't heard about this, but I am disgusted - in fact that isn't a strong enough word. I'm sure the horse would have felt some pain and what about the shock of it - horse's are senstive animals and I would imagine this would have frightened him? It is cruel and disrespectful and he should be banned from ever going near a horse again - I just hope someone decides to take justice into their own hands for the horse one day! Kaye x

Susan and Jean, you are right, only sorry it was seen , not that it was done......miserable weed of a man.......

After reading Mr O'Neill's 'apology' I'd be interested to know what the horses owner or trainer have to say about the incident.

The horse didnt like him thats why he couldn't control him The horse has feelings and know when the jockey is not right he will get off with a slap on the wrists I hope the rspca get involved xxx Howie

I agree with most He should be banned for life, what example is he showing to up and coming Jockey's DISGRACEFUL Lil

well said howie, and congratulations.on the forthcoming event. this so called jockey has already been in trouble for miss use of the whip, did he learn his lesson...no! as howie rightly says, animals have instincts, if you don't care about them, they will pick up on that. bryan.

Thanks Howie and Jean. I'm glad to hear that the trainer won't be using the jockey again, but it seems to me daft that, if the horse didn't like Paul O'Neill and so the jockey couldn't control him, the decision was ever taken to have this jockey riding this horse in any race. This was an outcome waiting to happen, it seems, so shame on all concerned really, for putting the horse, (who has no say in the matter but did his best to make his feelings known), in this position. I hope trainer and owner, (who will have had the final say as to who rode the horse in the race), have learned something from this incident too - like take notice of a horse when he indicates that he doesn't want someone to ride him!!

I see this on the news too. I was shocked! It has opened my eyes I can tell you. Whether or not it hurt the horse (i know nothing about horses other than they are one of Gods creatures) this man clearly has no respect. I think he should be banned from racing altogether!! I hope who ever looks after the horse at the stables gave him a big hug Awwwww bless him.

This is outrageous!! I cant possibly write what I would do to him,lets leave it too the Imagination! Bryan, A glasgow kiss for starters! Ive always said these people are only interested in the WIn!not the wlfare of the animals,looks as if Ive been proven right, I hope when he next gets on a horse he breaks his................

This is where I have more respect for the animal than the human. Hope the human specimen gets banned, and can't find another job. (I censored myself there!! lol)

Saw it on the news......hope he never gets to ride again. R.B.

thats what worried me he wasnt sorry about doing it just sorry people had seen it.he is a stupid little man, who should never be allowed to ride a Horse again racing or otherwise.Anyone who can do that with the Hard Peak of a Helmet should not be allowed to own or be near any kind of animal.Horses should not be raced anyway if they were made for racing their legs would not break so easily.

Horrid little man.. What trainer would want him in their stables again... no rides for him!!!! Pat

The horse unseated you, Mr O'Neill? So you head-butted it? Oh, that makes it alright then. I think not! Disgusted at the RSPCA; what the hell do those letters stand for, for goodness' sake? :-(

well said glenys, the RSPCA needs more powers, and a damn good shake up. bryan.

Hello Byan (y). The RSPCA have enough power it's just that they will not use it. There's too much fear if litigation and of course all the 'big-wig' directors, who do nothing, are dead scared of losing un-earned income. I refuse to donate to their cause because there are too many 'hangers on'. They are a waste of time and money. Regards Brian (i) ps. The jockey, I'll bite my tongue.

Thanks, Bryan (just seen this today). :-)

thanks fred, ' big john mac ' was interviewed about this, and he seemed more interested in the reputation of racing in general, than he was about the horse. having had time to sleep on it, i still believe the jockey should be banned for life. bryan.

Well done Fred, for doing what you did. :-) Bryan, I agree with you again. It's not whether the horse was hurt or not, it was O'Neil's act. x

nudging this, to back up the thread, by foxy fred. bryan.