john o'connell @johnoconnell6 Twitter profile | Pikagi

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john o'connell

@johnoconnell6

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Racing TV pundit. William Hill Radio. Fulham FC. Music fan. Book 'Chief Singer ... and all that followed' available via link below.

Harrow

Joined November 2011

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

2 years

With Christmas on the way the last call to purchase the ideal present for racing fans with a fondness for the wonderful 80s era packed full of stars. Retweets very welcome so all are aware. Many thanks.

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Chief Singer...and all that followed by John O'Connell

After many years working in horse racing, it might have been expected when John decided to write a book, the subject would have been Mill Reef or Dancing Brave, perhaps Shergar, or the mighty...

weatherbysshop.co.uk

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

2 years

Jane Chapple-Hyam brings just 3 runners to Ascot this week; Saffron Beach wins a Group 2 Intellogent 2nd in the Hunt Cup Claymore wins a Group 3. Superb stuff.

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john o'connell

2 years

With the news that Mick Channon is retiring, many will be unaware just how successful he was in 2 sports. Nearly 50 caps as an England footballer before training many Group 1 winners in his second career is a staggering achievement.

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john o'connell

5 years

With the new mares Chase added to Cheltenham festival in 2021, and looking for a race to drop in order to fit it in, on balance I’d probably drop the new mares Chase.

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john o'connell

3 years

Hope David Maxwell does decide to have a look through Twitter this evening. If he does he will find out that there are plenty more people right behind him than there are idiots.

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john o'connell

4 years

A Plus Tard and Imperial Aura the last 2 winners of the Novice Handicap Chase at the Festival. Can't wait to see how the 2021 renewal pans out.

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john o'connell

3 years

Out for a meal 36 years exactly from first date. December 1985. No mullet or dodgy ‘tache anymore but I think the new look suits her better.

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john o'connell

4 years

Have no interest in fishing but The Mortimer and Whitehouse #gonefishing show is just such a beautifully crafted programme. Think Bob Mortimer is moving up the ladder to join David Attenborough and Michael Palin as nation’s favourites.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

3 years

I have been working on a book for a while and I am pleased to say it will be available next month from the Weatherbys Shop. It focuses on this fantastic horse and the wonderful rivals he was up against in the 1983 and '84 seasons, all the other great names from that period 1/2

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john o'connell

2 years

Lovely day with daughter Hannah graduating at Birmingham Uni. Proud Dad alert.

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john o'connell

3 years

Waiting to see if any firms are going to go 7 places in the Supreme?

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john o'connell

3 years

BBC announcer at the start of “Mrs Browns Boys” apologising for the upcoming bad language. That would be the millions of people screaming ‘Not that f£& @ing shite again’ at their telly.

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john o'connell

4 years

Have hit the big 60 today. Not quite what I had planned as had booked a long weekend in Jersey in hotel overlooking a beach, so instead will celebrate with a leisurely walk. Ah well, got my health so not complaining.

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john o'connell

2 years

Truly staggering what Christian Williams is doing from his base.

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john o'connell

3 years

This post Office scandal is among the saddest cases I’ve heard. Could genuinely have been a member of your family, or one you know. Wrecked lives of those innocent people and their families, and the knock-on effects haven’t gone away.

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john o'connell

4 years

Moss Gill withdrawn from the big Sprint at Chester tomorrow; “off colour” according to BHA site. Mind you, the colour would drain from my cheeks if I found out I was drawn 10 of 10 at that track.

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john o'connell

3 years

ITV4 adverts between races today have switched their focus from paying for my funeral to erectile dysfunction. Life's a bed of roses when you hit my age!

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john o'connell

6 months

For those interested, Mastermind on BBC2 tonight has The Cheltenham Gold Cup as one of the featured subjects. Am out myself but will catch up with it later.

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john o'connell

5 years

that 2018 Lincoln with Addeybb beating Lord Glitters doesn't look too shabby.

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john o'connell

3 years

Watching Donny on ITV3. Is the target audience for the adverts during racing show 80+ year olds who are on their last legs? I’m torn between cremation or a simple burial.

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john o'connell

3 years

@EarlyDoorsClips Mark Bentons actions and mannerisms while she is talking are superb.

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john o'connell

7 months

Gavin Cromwell continues to spy the English races and picks up another 90K in prize money with his 2 winners at Haydock.

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john o'connell

1 year

Kevin Stott hard on himself in the heat of the moment as that was a ride that gave his mount the absolute maximum opportunity to win the Derby. Had to take the gap before it closed and then couldn't break his rhythm.

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john o'connell

2 years

Was contemplating walking to the station to go racing but no way! After the rain this week, Jaysus, those pavements are still like concrete! Nah, much safer to wait until March before venturing out again.

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john o'connell

5 years

Black Corton thinking “This is a hell of a long run to the first”.

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john o'connell

3 years

A top 10 of David Elsworth horses. This should be quite a mix and no doubt every 10 minutes will say “Oh, I forgot that one!” In no particular order: Desert Orchid Persian Punch Rhyme ‘N’ Reason In The Groove Barnbrook Again Heighlin Indian Ridge Arabian Queen Barshiba Floyd

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john o'connell

3 years

Top of the Pops from April ‘91 heading for a high class top 3 as Anthea Turner counted down. The Waterboys “Whole of the moon” at 3, followed by “Sit down” by James at 2. Something special needed to keep those off top of the tree. Step forward Chesney Hawkes “The one and only”

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john o'connell

2 years

After the death of Andy Turnell a fortnight ago, very sad to read that another big name from my younger days, Jimmy Lindley, just passed away. One of the earliest to make the switch from saddle to commentary box. To coin one of his phrases, ‘One of our very finest’.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

4 years

Hope Denis Hogan manages to hold onto Sceptical. Just the sort that Godolphin could come in for.

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john o'connell

4 years

Good to see Jack Tudor ride a winner at Sedgefield today. How quickly trainers had forgotten his fine ride to win the Virtual Grand National in April.

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john o'connell

1 year

I see Billy Loughnane ride a winner at Musselburgh last night and finds himself riding at Brighton this afternoon. Disappointed he can’t bring himself to yo yo back to Musselburgh for tomorrow’s card. That’s the trouble with kids today, no energy.

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john o'connell

2 years

The sad news of the passing of John Budden can be summed up by the fact that everyone who has replied on here has mentioned the word Gentleman. First word that comes to mind. Sure his local track, Carlisle will acknowledge him at tomorrow’s meeting.

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john o'connell

1 year

Enjoying the Rocky Mountaineer train ride to Vancouver. Waited 3 years for this but so enjoyable and lucky with the weather so far.

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john o'connell

3 years

30 years married today! Just back from a short trip to Dorset and a bottle of Champagne to follow.

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john o'connell

1 year

If anyone had the Sire De Berlais/Dashel Drasher forecast and has now seen that rug pulled from under their feet, you have a bad luck story to dine out on for many years to come.

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john o'connell

4 years

We have much to thank Prince Khalid Abdullah for. Keeping Enable in training at 6 is so rare, and deserving of the highest praise

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

3 years

Runners just leaving the paddock for the first at Aintree.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

4 years

Couldn’t do the things we had planned for our landmark Birthdays this year, but congrats to Mrs O’C (aka Margaret). The big 6 oh today!

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john o'connell

2 years

11 years ago today I had my first shift at @RacingTV . Was so long ago that I was covering Bangor! To mark the anniversary I am just on the way in to cover Dundalk for the afternoon. Where have the years gone!!

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john o'connell

2 years

Whilst out for a drink last night, was delighted to get a text from my daughter Hannah with the news that she got a 2:1 in her Psychology exams from Birmingham Uni. Like all students, she had a tough 3 years and proud that she achieved her pass. Onto Graduation day next month.

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john o'connell

3 years

The purchase of Ardera Cross for just £1,000 from Dan Skelton less than 2 years ago was absolutely superb. Improving them from that yard is one thing, but to get 9 wins in less than 2 years is brilliant. Hats off to connections.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

4 years

Does all this mean that if the government say we can’t race from June 1st, we can just turn around and tell them to sod off and go ahead?

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john o'connell

4 years

My daughter, back from Uni, has just texted me from her bedroom..”Do you mind turning the music down please”. Shouldn’t this be the other way around?

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john o'connell

3 years

First drops of rain just coming down in my garden. No idea what this means regards Ascot but as I’ve just sat down on a deckchair it’s pissed me right off.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

5 years

The 5lb claim of Jonjo O’Neill is an absolute steal.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

2 years

So sad to hear about Andy Turnell. The most stylish of jockeys and successful as a trainer with a Grand National winner amongst many other big races. Passed away on same day as Sir Robert Ogden, for whom he trained Squire Silk to win the Tote Gold Trophy.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

2 years

31 years married today and off for lunch in Marlow with Mrs O’C. Can’t believe how quick the time has gone!

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john o'connell

3 years

Mrs O’C’s birthday in Kew.

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john o'connell

3 years

Oisin Murphy is able to ride races like he is watching them on the telly. Seems to be able to see the whole picture. Brilliant rider.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

2 years

BBC4 tonight and next Wednesday, all 5 episodes of the superb “Boys from the Blackstuff”. If you’re old enough to have seen it first time around, enjoy again. Those watching for the first time are in for a treat.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

2 years

To any fan who has gone to Beverley on Wednesday, Haydock last night and Chester today, let me know if you plan to come racing down my neck of the woods. And I’ll stay in and watch it on the box.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

3 years

Too often the word ‘genius’ is thrown around but David Elsworth fitted that description and was genuinely one of the greatest trainers of my lifetime. Who else would have campaigned Desert Orchid as he did and made that horse one of the most famous of all time. Happy retirement!

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

5 years

Daughter went to uni last weekend, son just went this morning to Italy to do a Masters. Just my wife left to talk to in the house. Fortunately found her driving licence lying around, Margaret it is then.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

10 months

Christmas is approaching so a perfect time to let people know about this book which tells the story of so many great names from a wonderful period. A cracking stocking filler with an easy to follow link to purchase. As always retweets are very welcome.

Tweet card media

Chief Singer...and all that followed by John O'Connell

After many years working in horse racing, it might have been expected when John decided to write a book, the subject would have been Mill Reef or Dancing Brave, perhaps Shergar, or the mighty...

weatherbysshop.co.uk

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

3 years

This is what happens when connections think "Sod it, let's race, let's take each other on and may the best horse win" That has got a few more fans into our sport to see why we love it so much.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

4 years

Happy 60th birthday to Steve Cauthen. Seems strange typing that as recall him coming over here as a teenager. One of the best jockeys I’ve ever seen.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

10 months

As they will want to get a run into Shishkin before Boxing Day why not go to Newcastle next weekend? The team are up there for Constitution Hill so enter Shishkin for the Rehearsal Chase. Class act in a handicap chase but I'm not going to hold my breath.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

3 years

Sad news the passing of Mick Ryan who masterminded the wonderful filly Katies from that stellar year of 1984. Landed some gamble in the Irish Guineas for Terry Ramsden before the Coronation Stakes defeat of Pebbles.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

4 years

Considering Clive Cox isn’t a top 10 trainer (that’s not knocking him in any way, just stating the table), he does fantastically well with his juveniles each year, and so many then go on and prove themselves at 3. Top trainer and top man.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

2 years

Didn’t quite make it to Jersey for the big 6 oh a couple of years back (can’t think what got in the way of that!) so I’m treating this as the big one instead. Beach, nice restaurants, Corbiere lighthouse. All tickety boo, apart from forgetting the sun glasses!

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

2 years

Looking after this pooch for a friend for just the day. I’ve checked with owner and apparently Goodwood and Galway are her favourite tracks for watching, so I believe the afternoon is sorted.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

2 years

Remember about 3 months back when people complained about 7 and 8 race meetings? Right now I’m yearning for a 6 race card to be completed.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

2 years

A quieter house as daughter Hannah is off on her travels to the Far East this morning. First stop Heathrow.

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john o'connell

4 years

The winner in these awards always says “I didn’t believe for one moment I could ever win this” Once, just once, would love it if they said “When I checked Betfair just before we came on and saw someone wanted 5 grand at 1.02, I knew I had it in the bag”.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

7 years

The 3 actors from Mrs Browns Boys involved in tax avoiding scheme really should apologise. Not necessarily for that, just for the programme.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

10 months

First race on Friday at Newmarket is 11-15am with the last at the Breeders Cup on TV just short of midnight. It's all about the stamina folks.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

7 years

A winner on Wednesday at Kempton before flying to Dubai to ride a winner yesterday and straight back for an across the card 4 timer today. Luke Morris has an unbelievable appetite for work.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

3 years

50 years ago today Rod Stewart’s “Maggie May” reached number 1 in the Charts. All this time later and still sounds one of the best coming out of the speakers on a Sunday morning.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

2 years

On the occasions I was asked what level of trainer Ron Sheather, of Chief Singer fame was, by those who would have been much younger then, my reply was “Think Chris Wall, similar string, very shrewd and knew what he had. Oh, and a top bloke”. Big loss to the training ranks, this.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

3 years

A bit late to this, but if today was the final runner in the training career of James Eustace, I hope he enjoys a long and happy retirement. Great old names like Philidor, Refuse To Lose and War Artist among others. Good luck to son Harry on taking over the licence.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

2 years

26 years ago today, Dettori day at Ascot. Quite staggering the longevity of his career aside from the achievement.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

3 years

If only I had kept in touch with my distant cousins Dylan and Pascal, what a week I would have had. If

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

4 years

Twice in the last 3 years Nakeeta has performed in the Melbourne Cup. Going to be a shock to his system when he turns up at Redcar tomorrow on the first Tuesday of November!

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

4 years

Apparently it was 33 years ago today the BBC showed “Royal It’s A Knockout”. With Prince Andrew as a team captain and Stuart Hall on commentary, what could possibly go wrong?

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

1 year

Good to see that connections of Dashel Drasher got the right result in the end with their horse reinstated to second place but it shouldn't have had to get this far. Poor decision on the day.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

3 years

The only bigger certainty than the 70 mph winds around the country tomorrow, is that the news channels will have their reporters out near a seafront being battered by said 70 mph winds. As if them reporting it from the comfort of a studio doesn’t prove it’s happening.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

1 year

@mrjamesob @jrmillman Why doesn’t Laura Kuenssbrrg pull him up about it? In a split second she is on to her next question, clearly not paying attention to his response. Shocking from both sides.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

1 year

‘Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing’ is back on BBC2 at 9-00. And no, you don’t have to have the slightest interest in fishing to love this show. #gonefishing

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

4 years

Bit of horse racing on the box this evening. “Murphy’s Stroke” starring a young Pierce Brosnan on Talking Pictures at 7-30.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

3 years

🎼 It’s dry now at Ascot, Menuisier is walking the track, He’ll soon give his verdict, Will help with which one to back. Looks like there’s no rain now, For Love fans that’s alright, But I’ve a feeling, There’ll be no Wonderful Tonight. 🎼

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

9 months

So pleased for the connections of the wonderful Hewick. Campaigned him at Sedgefield, Auteuil, Far Hills in America, 2 Galway Festivals a couple of finales at Sandown and more in the last couple of years ... and now wins the King George.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

3 years

Absolute pleasure talking about Chief Singer on @RacingTV today and great that Ray Cochrane joined us to relive some of his finest moments. Lovely bit of nostalgia.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

3 years

All the very best, one and all for Christmas. Have a great one.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

1 year

One of the top jockeys in racing when I started following the sport and remained so until his retirement. A total professional and those 2,500+ winners including 6 English Classics were gained against household names in the saddle.

@RacingTV

Racing TV

1 year

🗣️"Every trainer wanted to use him." @AngusMcNae and @johnoconnell6 pay their respects to Derby-winning jockey Edward Hide, who sadly passed away earlier today, aged 86 👇

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john o'connell

1 year

George Alagiah and Trevor Francis. What a sad day. RIP.

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john o'connell

3 years

Sad to hear the passing of Coventry legend John Sillett. Keen racing man who had a winner or 2 with Barry Hills back in the day if I remember rightly.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

3 years

Desperately sad news about the passing of Marvin Hagler. One of my favourite sportsman and that round v Hearns in 1985 had to be seen to be believed. Sad to think he and Alan Minter have passed away within 6 months of each other.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

2 years

Saturday evening, beautiful weather, pub in Hampstead with Mrs O’C. Tickety boo.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

6 months

Sad to hear the passing of Steve Harley. A big racing fan and almost 50 years after its release, 'Make me smile' remains one of the greatest songs and still sounds fresh all this time later.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

2 years

A few days in Norfolk with Mrs O’C with the sun out and a stroll on the beach.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

6 years

Having backed Nietzsche for the race last year and not this time, that result has nearly killed me and definitely hasn’t made me stronger.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

2 years

Mick Channon may not have the firepower from days gone by but he bookends the season with wins in the Lincoln and now the Cambridgeshire.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

4 years

Shergar just on telly in 1981 Derby. Doesn’t matter how many times you see it, still gets the blood pumping.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

2 years

Flat or jumps, there is something very special to top notchers doing it in handicaps. Their status is elevated.

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@johnoconnell6

john o'connell

2 years

Worth pointing out that the £70,000 race at Ascot today would almost certainly also be a walkover were it not for the fact that Coole Cody had to be pulled up early last week.

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john o'connell

2 years

Me and the lads got our Eurovision party sorted for tonight. We’re off to a pub with no telly as far as possible from watching it.

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john o'connell

2 years

As has already been mentioned on here, it is quite amazing that the 2 Jeff Smith July Cup winners not only won the Sussex Stakes, but also had a go in York’s 10f International. Great to see these bold attempts rewarded.

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john o'connell

3 years

The anticipated rain at Ascot tomorrow for Wonderful Tonight bringing back memories of that Clever Cookie King George gamble.

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john o'connell

3 years

Had worse views on a Monday.

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john o'connell

4 years

I see Bruce Raymond is 77 today. A name who was in the paper as a jockey many years ago when I first got interested in racing, and even now as a racing manager is still keeping busy. Struggling to think of any other that has been a constant in all my time of following the sport.

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john o'connell

3 years

Good man Archie Watson. Has a real touch of class about him.

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