Clarkson’s Farm stars Jeremy Clarkson and Gerald Cooper are set to swap tractors for thoroughbreds this week as the pair unexpectedly become rivals in a brand-new arena — the racecourse.
The two fan favourites from the hit Amazon Prime series will go head-to-head on Thursday, November 6, in what has quickly become one of the most talked-about off-screen showdowns. Jeremy Clarkson, known for his petrol-powered antics on Top Gear and now his agricultural misadventures at Diddly Squat Farm, has taken a surprising detour into the world of professional horse racing. Teaming up with Old Gold Racing and Hawkstone Brewery, Jeremy has launched his own public racing syndicate horse — and he’s taking it very seriously.
His horse, a grey gelding named The Hawkstonian after his popular Diddly Squat beer brand, will make its first competitive outing over hurdles in the Novices’ Hurdle at 1:55pm at Sedgefield Racecourse. Despite being new to the course, The Hawkstonian has attracted attention thanks to its impressive behaviour in training and what Jeremy jokingly calls its “low-maintenance horsepower.”
But the day won’t belong to Jeremy alone. Just 35 minutes later, Gerald Cooper — the soft-spoken, beloved farmhand whose unintelligible muttering has become a signature feature of Clarkson’s Farm — will send out his own runner, Whatyouwaitingfor, trained by Charlie Longsdon. Gerald’s race, the Novices’ Handicap Chase at 2:30pm, will put him up against a competitive field, but his syndicate already has something even more powerful behind it: purpose.
Gerald is using his horse to raise money and awareness for Prostate Cancer UK through Gerald’s Charity Syndicate, which has already brought in an impressive £28,500 before the horse has even seen the starting gate. His involvement has struck an emotional chord with fans, who have rallied behind him as eagerly as they do on the farm.
Old Gold Racing chief executive Ed Seyfried expressed how extraordinary the timing has been, saying:
“We couldn’t have scripted it better. Two Clarkson’s Farm legends, two great syndicates, and two races back-to-back — it’s a fantastic showcase for syndicate racehorse ownership through Old Gold Racing. Whether you’re Team Clarkson or Team Gerald, everyone’s a winner when it comes to supporting the sport and great causes. We can’t wait to see which team holds the bragging rights on Thursday.”
The Hawkstonian cost Clarkson £39,000 at the 2023 Goffs Arkle Sale and is trained in the Cotswolds by Ben Pauling, not far from the now-iconic Diddly Squat Farm. Pauling has praised the horse repeatedly, describing him as “a joy to train” thanks to his professional attitude and calm temperament.
Clarkson has leaned into the promotional fun by filming several videos introducing The Hawkstonian as his “pet,” in classic Clarkson humour. He even joked, “I know a bit about horsepower, and this one doesn’t need an oil change.”
This unexpected rivalry between two of Clarkson’s Farm’s most recognisable faces adds a fresh layer of excitement for fans — and whether you’re cheering for Jeremy or Gerald, Thursday’s races promise a heartwarming mix of competition, humour, and charity.
