JEREMY CLARKSON will be getting to used to horsepower of a different kind on Friday – when his racehorse makes his big debut.
Trained by Sun Racing columnist Ben Pauling, the Cotswolds-based handler is praying The Hawkstonian is ‘more like a Ferrari than a Morris Minor’.
And, to be fair, the omens look good, with The Hawkstonian being by Jukebox Jury, whose progeny include top Grade 1 winner Il Etait Temps and Group 1 Flat winner Princess Zoe.
The only place to get Templegate’s tips first – and at the best prices – is by joining Sun Racing’s brilliant Members Enclosure.
Sign up now for just £1* to be part of racing’s best winning team and get…
Become a member today for just £1*
*For the first month then £3 per month thereafter.
18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. For more information contact help@thesun.co.uk
The Hawkstonian will make his debut in the 4.22 bumper at Uttoxeter and will be ridden by Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey Ben Jones.
This is TV legend Clarkson‘s first foray into racehorse ownership, and the Grand Tour hero fronts up the syndicate behind the horse.
Clarkson – who recently told Sun readers about his terrifying health scare – already enjoys a link with top handler Pauling, with the trainer’s family having originally worked the land that is now Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm.
And it was they who even taught Clarkson’s sidekick Kaleb Cooper how to make a living off the land.
Though it’s very early days for four-year-old The Hawkstonian, Pauling has high hopes.
By Sam Morgan
The Hawkstonian will be running in a bumper – which is racing lingo for a Flat race for jumps horses.
There are no hurdles or fences to be jumped and, while a win is nice, it’s all about getting a horse used to raceday and being competitive.
That might sound obvious – but regular punters will know some horses simply do not realise their job is to win.
The Hawkstonian is forecast to go off about 10-1, so he’s expected to give a decent show.
And that might be the goal for now, especially as a few other runners in the race already have experience.
What’s exciting for the future is that The Hawkstonian’s old man Jukebox Jury has produced some great horses, notably Willie Mullins’ multiple Grade 1 winner Il Etait Temps.
It might be best to watch The Hawkstonian on debut with a view to backing him in future races over obstacles.
He said: “His work at home has been very good. He’s got a great brain on him and we just hope he can be nice and professional on debut.
“He settles into his exercise at home very well, so hopefully he can do the same on the track.
“On a scale of Morris Minor to Ferrari – for the sake of Jeremy’s understanding – we’re hoping that he’s closer to the Ferrari end.
“He’s certainly one of the nicer four-year-olds we’ve got this season, so we’re excited to see him on the track.
“From day one he always seemed a nice individual. He’s been in the yard since the backend of last season, and he’s been a joy to train.
“He takes it all in his stride and is a very straightforward customer, which isn’t always the case at this early stage of their careers.”
Old Gold Racing set up the syndicate that Sun columnist Clarkson is part of.
And their CEO Ed Seyfried said: “I just love that The Hawkstonian syndicate is bringing the experience of racehorse ownership to so many people so inexpensively whilst helping Jeremy Clarkson and the Hawkstone Brewery back British farming – even his oats are British.
“Racing syndicates like these really are a wonderful opportunity for anyone to get involved in racehorse ownership.”
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
