From Blackburn to Cheltenham: The rise of Max McNeill

Max McNeill is a long-standing member of the racing community, fulfilling his passion of owning horses for nearly two decades. Aside from his racing exploits, he is also the supremo of Ultima (yes, THE Ultima) and if being an owner wasn’t nerve-racking enough, he also supports his hometown team, Blackburn Rovers.

Max was born in 1962 in Blackburn, home of his beloved Rovers, but spent most of his educational life up and down the country. 

“We moved up to Scotland when I was 10 and moved around up there for a while, then to Fleetwood for three years and we moved to Reading in 1983 and I’ve been there ever since.”, said Max.  

It would be in Scotland that Max would find his first flavour for racing, in the form of one of the greatest to ever grace the game.

“My old man used to watch the National and put a bet on for us, but it was massive. When I lived up in Scotland, we lived in Ayr for a while and I remember being at the 1974 Scottish Grand National and Red Rum was there, and we saw him win! So, I suppose that was the first taste of it really.” 

Red Rum winning the 1974 Scottish Grand National

Max founded his company, Ultima, in 1990, saying: “I’d always wanted to start my own business and then I saw an opportunity to sell memory, cheaper than the main manufacturers were selling it and it’s exactly the same product. 

“Knowing that wasn’t sustainable we had to diversify, we started small but continued to grow the business all the time.” 

The business is synonymous with the Premier Handicap Chase, for which it lends its name to, on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival. Something that Max is keen to continue, saying: “As Ultima became more successful, we wanted a box at Cheltenham. We first sponsored the three-mile hurdle race on the Paddy Power meeting, then they approached me and said they’ve got the three-mile handicap chase on the Tuesday which hasn’t got a sponsor. We did a three-year deal, but I think we’re in our 8^th season now which is great.” 

As Ultima grew, Max was able to venture into horse ownership and since then, the McNeill Family silks have been ever present at racecourses since 2005 and have evolved to become one of the most recognisable silks in the game.

“A mate of mine had a share in a horse and said it was great fun and I’d always enjoyed racing, so I thought I’d try my hand! I bought my first horse in 2005, he didn’t run for ages, so I bought half of another called Balladeer and he won three races, including our first ever winner at Fontwell!

“Then it sort of draws you in, someone asks if you want to buy this horse and you go ‘oh go on then’, then you want a good one, so you pay a bit more and get a good one in the name of Walkon then you think I want another Walkon and end up spending far too much money!” 

Max has had success with his horses, with many becoming fan favourites. The aforementioned Walkon, The Worlds End, Keeper Hill, Portrush Ted, Mille Chief, Grumeti, Mulcahys Hill and the late, great Kiltealy Briggs. Just to mention a few of the many talented and popular horses to don Max’s iconic silks.

Max has enjoyed success this year with the likes of Butch, Threeunderthrufive, Teorie and many more all taking him into the winner’s enclosure. However, he also has many on the sidelines, all of whom he’s looking forward to seeing back next season.

“We’ve a nice team of horses who are on the injured list, so it will be nice to see them all back at some point. We’ve got Fingle Bridge, who won the bumper on the Welsh National meeting, he could have come back at the end of this season but Olly [Murphy, his trainer] wants to keep him back for next season.

“If we can keep Thames Water sound next season, he could be one that we’re very excited about. If we can get him back, then he might have a run over hurdles and then go chasing. You can’t muck around with a horse like him. So hopefully we can keep him sound and it will be onwards and upwards for him!”

The name on the silks is ‘The McNeill Family’ and racing is very much a family affair for the McNeill’s, as Max’s daughter Ella, is the racing manager for their horses and for Chelsea Thoroughbreds’, as well as presenting for Raceday TV.

“My brother loves it, my sister more so socially, my wife normally comes with me to the meetings and Ella absolutely loves it as well and it’s great working with her.” 

Ella McNeill with Champagnesuperover Picture: (Ella McNeill)

Aside from racing, business and being an avid Blackburn Rovers supporter… and longtime sufferer! Max is also a keen golfer, which can be seen through a few of his horse’s names. (For example, Threeunderthrufive). “I don’t go as much as I used to because racing kind of takes up your life in the winter and in the summer, I play golf, which is about the only sport my body allows me to play these days!” 

Max’s enthusiasm for the game is pronounced and rightly earns him the tag of one of racing’s good guys. His engagement with the community and general love for the sport only just begins to explain why those in and around racing respect him.