O’Neill hits Big Time with Lanzarote win

HE has one of the hardest acts to follow in racing but Jonjo O’Neill jnr underlined his promise with the biggest win of his embryonic career on Big Time Dancer in the Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton, writes MARCUS TOWNEND.

Jonjo junior’s riding career is picking up pace after eight months out with a back injury.

The length-and-a-half win on the Jennie Candlish-trained 16-1 shot, who was always travelling well, was the 11th of the season for O’Neill jnr and the 25th of his career.

The young jockey said: ‘After being off for so long you dream of these days. You need these big winners to put you in the papers and on TV.

‘I want to do well in the conditional jockeys’ title race but I’m a good way behind because I started late. My father is very supportive and a big help but I’m my own man. Even though I’ve the same name I’m very much different.’