Ratoath musician throws his weight in behind fundraiser to support injured jockeys and horse and pony rescue

A RATOATH musician is swapping late-night takeaways for training sessions as he takes on a unique weight loss challenge to raise funds for two charities close to his heart — with a light-hearted forfeit on the line if he doesn’t meet his goal.

Shane O’Neill is aiming to transform his lifestyle through a structured weight loss journey in support of the Leinster Horse and Pony Rescue and the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund.

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard of anyone fundraising through a weight loss challenge,” he said.

“But every pound I lose and every step I take will help raise money for these charities.”

Shane, who grew up around horses, said his connection to the causes runs deep.

“I was an amateur jockey for about five minutes,” he joked.

His time in racing may have been brief, but it left a lasting impression. As a young rider, Shane worked with trainers in Ireland and England, riding out horses and gaining experience in the sport.

“I thought I was going to take over from the big names at the time,” he said.

“I had a couple of rides point-to-points and bumper races but I never actually won.”

His one claim to fame, he laughed, was finishing a race ahead of well-known trainer and jockey Ted Walsh.

“That was back in 1988,” he said.

While his career as a jockey did not progress, Shane remained closely involved in the industry, working on stud farms both in Ireland and abroad.

“I worked in Ireland, the UK, the US and France,” he said.

“You’re looking after horses from the second they’re born right up until they’re ready for racing.

“It’s something that stays with you .. that love of horses.”

The Leinster Horse and Pony Rescue, he explained, carries out vital work caring for neglected and abandoned animals.

“They spent around €20,000 on veterinary bills alone last year,” he said.

“They’re a small charity but they do incredible work.”

He also highlighted the importance of the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund, which supports riders both physically and mentally following injuries.

“It’s a holistic system it’s not just about helping someone after a fall,” he said.

“They support jockeys with recovery, mental health, education and even career development.”

Shane’s fundraising effort is also aimed at raising awareness around healthy weight management, particularly in the racing industry.

“There’s a perception that jockeys have to starve themselves to make weight,” he said.

“But the message from the experts is that it can be done safely, properly and long-term.”

Working with nutrition and fitness professionals, Shane has adopted a structured approach focusing on diet, exercise and lifestyle changes.

“It’s actually very boring,” he laughed.

“It’s not exotic diets or miracle cures — it’s things like portion control, eating properly, drinking water and being consistent.”

Since beginning the challenge, he has already made significant progress, dropping from over 18 stone to just over 16 stone, with a target of reaching around 13 stone.

“The first bit comes off quickly, but the rest is the hard part,” he said.

“It’s about sticking with it.”

Shane, originally from Ratoath and who has worked as a postman locally, also performs with his band Mad Ass Mules at weddings and events around the country, and said preparation has been key — particularly with a busy lifestyle that often involves late nights and travel.

“You could be driving home from a gig and end up grabbing something unhealthy,” he said.

“It’s about being organised and having the right food with you.”

Support for the fundraiser has been growing steadily, with donations coming in both online and at gigs.

“People have been very good,” he said.

“They’ll throw in €20 or €50 — it all adds up.”

A formal weigh-in and cheque presentation is planned for Bellewstown on 4th July, where Shane hopes to mark the end of the challenge and celebrate the funds raised.

Shane said there is also a humorous twist to the challenge, with a forfeit suggested if he does not meet his target.

“One of the suggestions was that I’d have to dress up like the Naked Cowboy from New York white shorts and all and do a gig in Swans,” he laughed. “Swan's is a family friendly pub, I'm sure they'd be ready for that!!”

Ultimately, Shane said the goal is to make a meaningful difference.

“These charities are doing incredible work,” he said.

“If this can help in any way for the horses or for injured jockeys then it’s worth it.”