RAZOR-SHARP JON JO REJOINS DENIS

Ian Fortune

Those that follow the UK scene will be more than aware of the brilliance of Bockos Jon Jo.

Sadly, the brilliant son of Droopys Jet and Moanteen Beauty suffered a career ending injury last December, but we’re happy to report he is right as rain and has journeyed back ‘home’ to Denis McGrath.

Denny, who trains from his Foxwood Kennels base in Nenagh, informs us that the dual category 1 winning sprinter will enjoy a long and happy retirement.

Formerly known as Foxwood Jon Jo, he displayed real promise in his first handful of races around Galway, posting some promising times before winning his fourth start in a sizzling 28.69 (rated.10 slow) around Galway in just his fourth outing.

He then trialed at Shelbourne Park in August 2020, setting tongues wagging as a recorded a sizzling 28.10. He was sold to Bev Lochead and Graham Box, before joining Patrick Janssens and quickly established himself as one of the most exciting trackers in training across the water under his new name.  

In just his fourth UK start, he posted an incredible 23.53 for 400m around Romford, which is the fastest time clocked at the Essex venue since 2017.

His first Grade 1 success came in March 2019 when running out a brilliant winner of the Gold Sprint and claimed his second Grade 1 victory less than a month later when winning the Northamptonshire Sprint at Towcester, smashing the track record in the opening round.

He continued to be amongst the very best in training in the UK until sadly breaking his hock at Romford in November. Thankfully, there was no expense spared on his recouperation and he journeyed back to his native Ireland a happy and healthy dog.

Denis said of Jon Jo, “I’d just like to say a big thank you to team Janssens for taking such good care of him after he broke his hock in November. And of course, to Bev [Lochead] for keeping her word and sending him back to me. He will enjoy his retirement here in Foxwood Kennels and hopefully serve some good bitches. We’re looking forward to a seeing a few little Jon Jos.”

Bockos Jon Jo was an exceptionally talented sprinter that stayed four bends. In terms of pure speed, there were few that could match him to the third turn in a four bend contest and he could well attract a few bitches. It would be no surprise if he were to throw a few very talented pups. Watch this space. In the meantime, have a great retirement Jon Jo.