The Hawkstonian, a four-year-old son of Jukebox Jury, is gearing up for his much-awaited racecourse debut this November. Trained by Ben Pauling, the gelding was purchased for €45,000 at the 2023 Goffs Arkle Sale by Highflyer Bloodstock and Pauling.
Named after a brand of beer owned by Jeremy Clarkson, The Hawkstonian marks Clarkson's first foray into racehorse ownership, in partnership with Old Gold Racing. Pauling's yard, located near Clarkson's Diddly Squat Farm and the Hawkstone Brewery in the Cotswolds, is buzzing with excitement over the grey’s potential.
Ed Seyfried, CEO of Old Gold Racing, shared the team’s optimism: "Ben Pauling is very excited about him. There are potential races in late November at Ascot or Newbury, but with horses yet to make their debut, progress can sometimes be unpredictable. However, we’re hopeful we’ll see him on the track at the end of November."
Meanwhile, another Old Gold Racing horse, Big City Roller, is preparing for a return to the track after a long layoff. Trained by Charlie Longsdon, the six-year-old impressed last season with a point-to-point victory, followed by a novice hurdle win at Carlisle and a runner-up finish at Chepstow. He has been out since December, but is now back in pre-training.
Seyfried added, "Big City Roller is back in pre-training with Sally Taylor and should return to Charlie Longsdon’s yard in five or six weeks. We’re excited to see him race again, likely in December. He’s one of our top prospects this winter, alongside Apple Away and Kingston James."
With The Hawkstonian’s debut on the horizon and Big City Roller’s return imminent, the excitement is building for Old Gold Racing's upcoming season.