Exclusive: Ben Jones ‘Very Excited’ to Take on Head Jockey Role for Ben Pauling

Welsh jockey Ben Jones is ‘hugely excited’ to become Ben Pauling’s stable jockey ahead of the new National Hunt campaign.

Last year was a breakthrough year for Jones who recorded a personal best 55 winners for the 23/24 season.

His most notable success came for Pauling at the Cheltenham Festival as he steered Shakem Up’Arry to victory in the TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase.

Jones described this new step in his career as a ‘huge opportunity’ and one he is looking forward to grasping with both hands.

“It’s very exciting, as a jockey you want to ride the best horses for the best people. To be sat on a few nice horses which is what I’m doing now is what you get up in the morning for,” Jones told SportsBoom.com.

Jones will replace Kielan Woods in the role, who will continue to ride for the yard as second choice.

As well as riding many winners for Ben Pauling, Jones formed a formidable partnership with Pembrokeshire based Rebecca Curtis, and the pair combined to take the opening contest at Chepstow’s opening jump meeting.

Ben Solo was given a positive ride from the front, convincingly beating his rivals. He appears to hold a bright future.

A delighted Jones said: “He ran in a nice bumper at Wincanton first time out for Rebecca. We liked him from then, but his wind wasn’t ideal. Rebecca got that sorted and she has recently got a new gallop put in and she’s had a few winners straight away first time out so that seems to be working.

“His point-to-point form is holding up, so we knew we’d come here with a chance, but Chepstow, opening meeting, usually the big guns have got a decent horse or two.