The County Handicap Hurdle produced a memorable family moment at the Cheltenham Festival as Wilful surged clear to claim a decisive three-length victory for the training partnership of Jonjo and AJ O’Neill. Ridden with confidence by Jonjo O’Neill Jr, the 14-1 winner provided the stable with their second success of the week and turned the race into a celebration of family teamwork on one of racing’s grandest stages.
The performance was both controlled and emphatic. Held in a comfortable rhythm for much of the contest, Wilful travelled strongly before being asked to quicken approaching the final flight. Once given his head, the gelding lengthened smoothly up the hill to settle the outcome, leaving the chasing pack with little chance of mounting a challenge.
For Jonjo O’Neill Jr, the victory carried particular meaning.
“It’s been a really great place for me, but to do it for your family is extra special,” he said after returning to the winner’s enclosure. “There was no one more delighted than me to see Richie McLernon winning earlier in the week; it’s so hard to win here. You saw it yesterday with top yards — no matter how strong your team is, it’s incredibly difficult.”
The rider admitted Wilful had long looked like one of his best opportunities during the meeting.
“This was my best chance of the week and I really fancied him,” he explained. “He ran very well at Windsor, although I probably committed him a little early on tacky ground carrying top weight. We thought about running him in the Kingwell, but the heavy ground didn’t suit a spring campaign. We felt there might still be something in his mark, though I didn’t expect him to improve quite as much as he did today.”
County Handicap Hurdle Success Caps Dream Week for O’Neill Team
For AJ O’Neill, the victory continued what he described as an extraordinary week for the stable. “Unbelievable week — it really has been a week of dreams,” he said. “I was speechless after our first winner and I’m almost lost for words again. Jonjo has given him a fantastic ride. The Hay family have been tremendous supporters of ours and it’s brilliant to see their horse win like that.”
Jonjo O’Neill Sr reflected on the significance of the result in typically understated fashion. “Cheltenham is Cheltenham,” he said. “Just having runners here is special, and to come away with two winners makes it even better. AJ keeps telling me every evening that he’s improved them all — I’m starting to believe him now.”
The success carried deep personal meaning for the owners as well. Lauren Hay, daughter of Dr Jim Hay, spoke emotionally about the moment. “I used to work for Jonjo, and all I’ve ever wanted is for Dad’s colours to come here and run well,” she said. “To see them win at Cheltenham means the absolute world. We knew from Punchestown that the horse had the ability to reach this level, but I never imagined it would end like this.”
Runner-up Sticktotheplan emerged with plenty of credit after finishing best of the rest. His rider Sean Bowen felt his mount had done little wrong. “My lad did everything right, but we were just beaten by the better horse on the day,” he said. “We had a smooth run around and there are no excuses.” Trainer Olly Murphy was similarly encouraged by the effort and is already thinking ahead.
“He ran a cracker and got a lovely run through the race,” Murphy noted. “He’s a horse we’ve always thought a lot of. After a small wind operation and a freshen-up he’s come back well, and he’ll make a really nice chaser next season.” Third-placed Joyeuse also earned praise from trainer Nicky Henderson.
“She’s run a very good race,” Henderson said. “She seems to thrive in these big handicaps and the cheekpieces we tried today appear to have helped.” Cracking Rhapsody, who finished fourth, again demonstrated his consistency according to jockey Craig Nichol. “He gave me a lovely ride round,” Nichol said. “He’s a tough horse, very genuine, and he’s run another great race.”
The victory marked the O’Neill training partnership’s second success of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival, while Jonjo O’Neill Jr recorded his fourth career winner at the meeting.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to Racebuzz.