Maiden Triumph at Ffos Las
Jeremy Clarkson, the former Top Gear host, celebrated his first victory as a horse racing owner when The Hawkstonian, a six-year-old grey gelding, crossed the finish line first in the 13:50 Novices’ Hurdle at Ffos Las in Wales on Friday.
The horse, named after Clarkson’s Hawkstone beer, had faced challenges since Clarkson acquired it in 2023 through his Old Gold Racing syndicate. After a tough initial season, The Hawkstonian finally secured its breakthrough win, bringing joy to the 65-year-old television personality.
Clarkson’s Celebratory Response
Clarkson shared his excitement on social media platform X, posting: “Hawkstonians. I’m receiving word that our horse triumphed today at the Blue Ditch course in Wales. I’m going to celebrate with a beer.”
When fans pointed out the timing during Dry January, Clarkson quipped that the tradition doesn’t apply when one owns a brewery and a pub. He launched the Hawkstone brewery in 2021 and also runs his own pub, adding a personal touch to the horse’s name and the victory.
The Hawkstonian’s official Instagram account echoed the festive mood, stating: “Buy that horse a beer! We knew it was coming … He’s been getting better and better well done to the team @benpaulingracing and well done to every one of our Hawkstonians who have supported him and our friends.”
Trainer’s Insights and Syndicate Details
Trained by Ben Pauling, a multiple Cheltenham Festival winner, The Hawkstonian showed promise despite early setbacks. Pauling commented last year: “Jeremy is used to horsepower of a different kind, and one that doesn’t have a mind of its own. So his first season as a racing owner may have tested his patience. It’s great fun to be training for him and all the team are hoping The Hawkstonian will get himself into the winners’ enclosure as soon as he possibly can. We think he’s going to make up into a nice jumper, so this upcoming season is an exciting one with him set to go over hurdles. Hurdling is very much the way forward with him.”
Clarkson purchased the horse via Old Gold Racing, a syndicate that issued 3,250 shares at £60 each over 14 months, allowing multiple owners to share in the success.
