Jonjo O’Neill Jr pays tribute to JP McManus’ daughter-in-law Emma

Jonjo O'Neill Jr paid tribute to JP McManus' daughter-in-law Emma after riding the owner's first winner since the family tragedy.

The young jockey partnered Flight Deck (9-2) to victory in the IML Marine Management Handicap Hurdle at Bangor-on-Dee.

McManus started having runners again on Wednesday, having paused his operation following the sudden death of Emma, 40.

The daughter of former Irish tennis star and businessman Peter Ledbetter fell ill in Barbados over the Christmas period.

Just a few days on from her memorial service, O'Neill Jr gained the emotional success in the McManus green and gold silks.

"I'm delighted to get the win for JP and Noreen (JP's wife) today," he told Sky Sports Racing.

"There was a family tragedy with Emma and we're all thinking about John (JP's son).

"It was a travesty. Noreen bred this horse herself so it's an emotional one."

Emma had been enjoying post-Christmas festivities with loved ones at the family’s private residence near the Sandy Lane hotel and golf resort co-owned by JP McManus, when she suddenly complained of feeling unwell.

Family and friends gathered at Coral Ridge Memorial Gardens for her memorial service on Tuesday, which was watched online by several thousand people.

Source: Read Full Article