‘That was a relief’ – Meetmebythesea gives Ben Pauling his first festival winner of the week
Ben Pauling could finally breathe a sigh of relief as Meetmebythesea delivered his first festival winner of the week in the Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase after a tough few days.
The Gloucestershire trainer had sent out seven runners across days one and two of the festival, with none of them placing, but was rewarded when Ben Jones guided the JP McManus-owned six-year-old to victory in the Grade 2 Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase.
Meetmebythesea had struggled in heavy ground on his last start in the Game Spirit Chase, which was won by Lulamba, but had shown noteworthy form in better conditions and was well suited by a step up in trip.
It was the seventh false start at the festival, which didn’t see joint favourite Jordans Cross to best effect in the rear, but Jones rode prominently on the 9-1 shot before pulling four and three-quarter lengths clear of Gold Dancer after the last and leaving well-fancied Regent’s Stroll back in third for Paul Nicholls, who landed the race with Caldwell Potter last season.
“The first few days haven’t gone really well, so that was a relief,” said Pauling. “Training a winner for that man is special. JP McManus is a huge supporter of the industry and he’s a great man to train for, and when it comes off here, I think it means a lot to him.
“I thought he had a chance, I’ve always liked him. He can’t handle heavy ground and the ground was in his favour today, so it was good to see him do that.”
Ben Jones: celebrates as he crosses the lineCredit: Grossick Photography (racingpost.com/photos)
The 26-year-old rider came agonisingly close to winning the Supreme on Sober Glory, but hit the last on the six-year-old and the race went the way of Old Park Star.
He was soon redeemed on Meetmebythesea as he warms up for one of the biggest rides of his career with Harry Redknapp-owned The Jukebox Man in Friday’s Gold Cup.
Jones said: “It’s a dream come true. I was brought up watching good, good jockeys ride in these silks, and to ride a winner at Taunton on a Monday is a massive deal, but to ride a winner at the festival, Jesus, it doesn’t get much better than that.
“I’m delighted for myself and the team, but I’m more happy in the fact of giving something back to Ben. I wouldn’t be where I am if it weren’t for his belief and everyone who backed me behind closed doors.
“Hopefully, we can get another one tomorrow.”
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