Ben Pauling admitted that ‘it came as a huge shock last April when the Megsons removed their horses from his yard.
The split was amicable, but the trainer was “very sad to have lost some very bright young horses.”
Those quotes from The Racing Post nine months ago hinted that it could take some time for Pauling to get back on his feet this season. But the Gloucestershire trainer has recovered quickly and is maximizing everything he has to offer.
He could very well be the National Hunt show jumping coach of the year right now.
The Jukebox Man was a revelation this season. The Jukebox Man was narrowly beaten in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Chase and has been quite outstanding in his two starts this season.
He won stylishly both times. His exuberant jumping in the Grade Two John Francome Chase at Newbury last November was a joy to watch. He put a useful field to the sword that day and won by two comfortable lengths, despite the run-up.
Ben Pauling has had a great start to the season and is capable of success at Cheltenham
The Jukebox Man jumped superbly as he won the Grade One Kauto Star Novices’ Chase
He showed his versatility when he stepped into faster terrain up to five miles to win the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase on Boxing Day with another efficient jumping event.
There was much to like in beating Hyland by two and a half lengths at Kempton. There were no signs of him hanging on the sharp track and Pauling noted that he was faster and more accurate than on his debut.
He has odds of 5-1 for the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March and the leading player in Pauling’s yard has a great chance of seeing off a strong Irish challenge.
His jumping will even put pressure on the likes of Ballyburn and Dancing City. Two by two and beautifully placed for a spring tilt, Pauling has placed his horses truly magnificently this season.
The Jukebox Man broke into the premier class last month, as did Pauling’s number 1 rider Ben Jones. Both the star horse and the star jockey improve together.
It’s not just the Jukebox Man who sets the tone at Naunton Downs. Handstands have made their presence felt and demonstrate Pauling’s patience and ability to get horses back on track quickly.
Handstands were all too common in the Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle at last year’s festival. He then fell chasing his debut at Wincanton, but has now won his last two races – both grade two.
Handstands is another talented novice fighter at the Pauling yard and he won the Towton
Handstands showed no ill effects from his fall as he won the Esher Novices’ Chase at Sandown by three and a half lengths from Resplendent Grey.
Yesterday’s Towton Novices’ Chase at Ffos Las was a scrappy affair, with only two runners finishing the race – but Handstands pressed his authority on procedure in fourth last place. He always looked the winner and was obliged by nine lengths.
Pauling’s unwavering belief in Diva Luna has seen many good judges put her at 14-1 for the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.
She certainly seems to have a solid shot in either direction. Bowtogreatness has a major handicap in staying on good ground. Personal Ambition also looks poised to win a rookie chase or a worthwhile handicap.
Pauling is eighth in the British Trainers Championship, but there is still plenty of room to finish higher. He has only been training since 2013 and is on an upward trajectory.
The big challenge for aspiring trainers is making money when a top player comes along. Pauling was able to do that with The Jukebox Man, owned by Harry Redknapp.
He is a trainer who consistently delivers results and is starting to reap the rewards as even more top quality horses come his way.
His yard has been reliable virtually all season and gives bettors confidence. For those considering siding with Pauling at Cheltenham, his track record is reasonable for a yard that has had modest resources for so long; four winners in the past eight years.
Willoughby Court was 14-1 in the Neptune Novices’ Hurdle (2017), Le Breuil was the same in the National Hunt Chase (2019), Global Citizen pulled off a 28-1 upset to win the Grand Annual (2022) and Shakem Up ‘arry had an 8-1 shot at eliminating last year’s Festival Plate.
Former football manager Harry Redknapp (left) is a strong supporter of the Pauling yard
To get four winners at these prices is testament to Pauling’s ability to get one ready for a big prize and he will be a regular trainer for Saturday punters to follow as more often than not you get your money’s worth at reasonable odds , at.
There have been many setbacks on the way to where he is today and there will likely be more in this unforgiving sport – but Pauling is proof that you can compete with the greats and continue to develop.
The Megsons’ loss is now long forgotten. Pauling does handstands at The Jukebox and makes hay while the sun shines.
He could easily extend his tally of four winners at the Cheltenham Festival and you would do well to get a decent price for it.
PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK…
On to Fairyhouse where trainer Gavin Cromwell had a four-timer. SIXANDAHALF was a hugely impressive 12-length winner of the Mares Maiden Hurdle. She went 7-1 for the Mares Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham and looks an obvious candidate after beating a decent field with ease.
SELECTION OF THE WEEK…
Two races at Punchestown today and with the Willie Mullins yard seemingly over their little Christmas blip, LECKY WATSON And SALVATOR MUNDI can both win in an 11/4 double (William Heuvel). The former likes soft ground and can beat Down Memory Lane. The biggest danger to predicted players could be Gordon Elliott’s Farren Glory in the Grade Three Novices’ Chase (12.55).
Mullins has regularly fielded some of his best two-mile novice hurdles in the Moscow Flyer (2.25) and Salvator Mundi should be able to brave a lengthy absence to win here and justify his position at the top of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle . The odds aren’t a gimme, though, and stablemate Kel Histoire could be the only danger.