PUNDIT PROFILE LISA O’NEILL
Were you always going to be involved with racing as a career? My parents were very much involved in the industry, my father was a jockey and trained racehorses as I was growing up, and my mother worked at Tattersalls Ireland for over 25 years. I was on a horse before I could walk, and it was a love of the sport that has taken me on an amazing journey.
Who’s your mentor? My father taught me how to ride and has been such a big influence in my career. He has always been the person I turn to for advice and he is never afraid to tell you the good and more importantly the bad.
Best moment in racing? I was very lucky to get the leg up on Tiger Roll for my very first ride at the Cheltenham Festival in 2017 in the John Thomas McNamara National Hunt Chase (watch here). I was so excited to have a ride at such a big meeting, especially for Gordon
Elliott and owners Gigginstown House Stud. Tiger Roll has always been such a big character and you can tell when he is in good form or on a going day. It was easy to see he was really sparking that day. He stretched my arms for three of the four miles and tested my ability to stay on board at numerous fences. But I had never imagined I would be climbing that infamous Cheltenham hill alone, just me and Tiger, in clear isolation of our nearest rivals. That feeling is indescribable, the euphoria and adrenaline. Coming back into the winners’ enclosure, I was on top of the world and on top of one of the greatest legends of National Hunt Racing. I am a very small part of Tiger Roll’s life, but he is an extremely big part of mine.
How did you get into broadcasting? It wasn’t planned and I am very lucky to have gained the opportunity to speak about a sport I love, alongside some of the most professional people in the business.
Which broadcasters do you admire the most? Nick Luck and Lydia Hislop set an unbelievable standard among broadcasters.
What can broadcasters do to enhance racing coverage? I always think it is very important for broadcasters to utilise the platform we are on by making sure that the very people who dedicate their lives to the care and welfare of the horses, the stable staff, get the recognition and the plaudits they deserve. We want to be able to see the pure enjoyment and fulfilment that grooms get when they walk back into the winners’ enclosure with their pride and joy.
Funniest moment on air so far? When there was a marriage proposal taking place behind myself and Gary O Brien during the end-of- day review at Fairyhouse in November. The proposal was sadly declined!
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