The BHRC is saddened to hear of the passing of Hugh O’Neil Snr on Thursday 17th June.

Hugh was heavily involved in all aspects of British Harness Racing for upwards of 50 years and alongside his family at Ayr Standardbreds bred and raced some of the best horses not only in Scotland but also in the wider Great Britain and Ireland.

Having 3 of the first 4 home in the Tuesday Night final at Musselburgh with the top class racemare Glendevon Countess winning, driven by son Tom; Ayr Glory winning the Junior Welsh Dragon at Tregaron, 3YO Derby at Corbiewood and breaking the track record at Appleby for 1m500y all when driven by son Hugh are among many highlights throughout the years.

Hugh was among the early pioneers from the UK to buy regularly at Harrisburg sales to improve the quality of breeding at Ayr Standardbreds. With the help of his close family he was able to enjoy watching Ayr horses being reared to compete and win at the highest level.

Our thoughts are with his family at this time.