Ben Pauling may lastly breathe a sigh of reduction as Meetmebythesea delivered his first festival winner of the week in the Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase after a robust few days.
The Gloucestershire coach had despatched out seven runners throughout days one and two of the festival, with none of them putting, however was rewarded when Ben Jones guided the JP McManus-owned six-yr-previous to victory in the Grade 2 Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase.
Meetmebythesea had struggled in heavy floor on his final begin in the Game Spirit Chase, which was gained by Lulamba, however had proven noteworthy kind in higher situations and was effectively suited by a step up in journey.
It was the seventh false begin at the festival, which did not see joint favorite Jordans Cross to finest impact in the rear, however Jones rode prominently on the 9-1 shot earlier than pulling 4 and three-quarter lengths clear of Gold Dancer after the final and leaving effectively-fancied Regent’s Stroll again in third for Paul Nicholls, who landed the race with Caldwell Potter final season.
“The first few days haven’t gone really well, so that was a relief,” stated 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 assumed he had a likelihood, I’ve all the time preferred him. He cannot deal with heavy floor and the floor was in his favour immediately, so it was good to see him do this.”
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 introduced up watching good, good jockeys trip in these silks, and to trip a winner at Taunton on a Monday is a huge deal, however to trip a winner at the festival, Jesus, it does not get significantly 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 are able to get one other one tomorrow.”
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