Jeremy Clarkson has found fresh reason to celebrate after enjoying a rare winner away from the farm and the television studio, as his racehorse The Hawkstonian finally broke its duck in Wales.
The 65-year-old broadcaster, best known for his work on Top Gear, The Grand Tour, and the Prime Video series Clarkson’s Farm, watched with delight as the Ben Pauling-trained grey powered home to victory at Ffos Las. It marked the first win of the horse’s career after five previous outings had ended in disappointment.
Running in the tigerbet.co.uk Best Odds Guaranteed Novices’ Hurdle, The Hawkstonian was ridden by Ben Jones and started at odds of 13-2. Despite being relatively inexperienced, the gelding showed a new level of maturity in testing conditions, edging a tight finish to secure a long-awaited success.
The horse is named after Clarkson’s Hawkstone Brewery in the Cotswolds, one of the presenter’s expanding rural business ventures. Clarkson is part of the ownership syndicate organised by Old Gold Racing, and the victory was clearly savoured by the TV star, who shared his reaction online shortly after the race.
Posting on X, Jeremy Clarkson wrote:
“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.”
For jockey Ben Jones, the result was as much about patience as performance. Speaking to Sky Sports Racing, he explained that the team had always believed the ability was there, even if it had yet to fully translate on the track.
“Honestly, if you saw him at home, he’s an absolute rocket,” Jones said. “He’s gone to the track and disappointed us a little bit, but I think it’s just taken a while for the penny to drop.”
Several key changes played their part on the day. The Hawkstonian raced with a tongue strap for the first time, something Jones believes made a clear difference. The heavy, rain-softened ground at Ffos Las also suited the horse’s running style, allowing him to finish with far more strength than in previous starts.
“He had a tongue strap on for the first time today, which really played to his favour,” Jones added. “That wet, sloppy ground meant he could get through it and hit the line strong, which he hasn’t been doing until today.”
While the horse is still learning, Jones was particularly impressed by his attitude under pressure in the closing stages.
“He’s still a bit green, but when another horse came upsides him, he put his head down and battled on. That’s what you want to see.”
The win may also come with a personal bonus for the jockey. Jones joked that the result could earn him a complimentary meal at Clarkson’s pub, The Farmer’s Dog, which features prominently in Clarkson’s Farm.
“I might get a free meal in the pub now,” he said with a grin.
For Clarkson, the victory adds another bright moment to a busy period that already includes farming, brewing, hospitality, and filming commitments. And while his television projects often highlight the frustrations of rural life, this time the result was simple: a winner, a celebration, and, appropriately, a beer to toast it.
