TOP jumps trainer Ben Pauling has confirmed he has a new No1 jockey this season – after old retained rider Kielan Woods was demoted.
Pauling enjoyed huge success last season, memorably providing Harry Redknapp with his first Cheltenham Festival winner courtesy of Shakem Up’Arry in the Plate.
The Jukebox Man almost gave the legendary footie manager another at the Festival only to get collared in the final stride of the Albert Bartlett by Stellar Story.
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Ben Jones, 24, was in the saddle for Shakem Up’Arry’s brilliant win – the jockey’s own first Festival win – and praised for giving him a ‘fantastic’ ride by Redknapp.
Jones got the ride after Cotswolds-based trainer Pauling – who also trains a horse owned by Jeremy Clarkson – put him on the horse ahead of former yard No1 Kielan Woods and conditional Luca Morgan.
It proved a match made in heaven and rising star Jones’ progress has been so quick that Pauling has now given him top job at his stables.
Speaking to Racing TV, Pauling, who won just shy of £1.2million last season, said: “Benny’s going to be riding as No1 and Woodsy is going to ride as many as we can get him on in behind.
“It’s an exciting time for all of us. They’re two exceptional jockeys.
“We’ve also got Callum Pritchard now as our conditional jockey, who looks very talented and claims 10lb, and we have various other guys.
“Kielan had a few whip bans last year but with the fallout of me no longer training the Megson’s horses, and him riding the Megson’s horses…
“Kielan has a great gig there and there’s no hard feelings… but Ben took every opportunity with both hands, and in some fashion.
“I’m thrilled to have them both still involved. We need them both and I’m looking forward to them working together as a team.
“Hopefully we can go forward bigger and better.”
Pauling also issued an update on Redknapp’s horses.
Shakem Up’Arry, who is now ten, will be campaigned in some of the popular veteran chase races throughout the season.
While The Jukebox Man will go chasing and his schooling Pauling said has been ‘unbelievable’.
He will start off over two-and-a-half miles but could be stepped up in trip to three miles around Christmas time.
Kielan Woods is now no longer Ben Pauling’s No1 jockey[/caption]
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