Frank O'Neill

Biography

Successful in New York for four years in the early 1900s, Frank O’Neill departed for France in 1908 and became the leading rider there in 11 of the next 14 years.

O'Neill won the French Derby in 1909 with Negofol and 1917 with Brumelli; the Grand Prix de Paris in 1911 with As d’Atout and 1917 with Brumelli; the 1923 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with Parth; and the Grand Prix de St. Cloud with Oversight in 1910, Predictive in 1913, and Nino in 1926.

In England, he won the St. Leger Stakes in 1911 with Prince Palatine; the Epsom Derby in 1920 with Spion Kip; and the Epsom Oaks in 1924 with Straightlace.

Born in 1886 in Newton, Kansas, O’Neill started exercising horses at the age of 10 in St. Louis. He won his first race in 1901 and started riding in New York in 1903, when he won the Brooklyn Handicap with Irish Lad and the Travers with Ada Nay.

In 1904, he rode Hall of Famer Beldame to victories in the Alabama, Carter, Gazelle, and Saratoga Cup. In 1905, he won the Suburban with Beldame and the Manhattan and Toboggan with Hall of Famer Roseben, as well as Brighton Cup (Cairngorm), Spinaway (Edna Jackson), Adirondack (Tangle), and Juvenile (First Water). His final notable American victory was with Belmere in the 1906 Brooklyn Derby.

Achievements

11-time leading rider in France

Other Highlights

Won the Brooklyn Derby — 1903, 1906
Won the French Derby — 1909, 1917
Won the Grand Prix de Paris — 1911, 1917
Won the Brooklyn Handicap — 1903
Won the Saratoga Special — 1903
Won the Travers Stakes — 1903
Won the Alabama Stakes — 1904
Won the Saratoga Cup — 1904
Won the Manhattan Handicap — 1905
Won the Spinaway Stakes — 1905
Won the Suburban Handicap — 1905
Won the St. Leger Stakes — 1911
Won the Ascot Gold Cup — 1912
Won the Epsom Derby — 1920