Jack Jones is embarking on his second year as a trainer, a path shaped by a rich tapestry of experiences gathered from esteemed stables and extensive travel. His journey in racing began steeped in family tradition and a deep-seated passion for horses, leading him to work with renowned figures in both jump and flat racing. This article delves into his formative years, his diverse international experiences, and his aspirations for the future as a burgeoning trainer.
Early Influences and a Lifelong Passion
Jones’s earliest racing memories are tied to significant events and family connections. He recalls watching Red Marauder win the Grand National in 2001 and attending races at Cheltenham, his home track. A personal highlight was witnessing The Long Run win the Gold Cup. His family’s deep involvement in racing, with his grandmother training the Triumph Hurdle-placed Gambling Prince and his mother working for David Nicholson, naturally drew him into the sport. From a young age, he was around horses, riding ponies and frequenting Cheltenham races, all while avidly studying form.
From University to the Racing Yard
At 17, Jones found himself riding his mother’s hunter horse and riding out for Tom Symonds while studying at university. The allure of horse training, which he found fascinating from the age of 14 or 15, became a clear career goal. His time at Reading University studying Agricultural Business Management provided valuable skills, particularly in the business and accounting aspects of the industry, even though his heart was often at Nicky Henderson’s Seven Barrows yard, where he rode out three times a week during his university years. This period allowed him to ride horses like Mite Bite and Buveur D’air before their major runs.
Diverse Experiences Shaping a Trainer
Jones’s career has been marked by a series of diverse and formative roles. He served as a Pupil Assistant for both Kim Bailey and Paul Nicholls, roles that provided significant responsibility, including riding out, pointing, and staff management. These experiences were crucial in building a solid foundation for his own training ambitions.
The Thrill of Amateur Jockeys
A significant personal achievement was winning five times as an amateur jockey aboard Real Milan. He describes Real Milan as a “horse of a lifetime,” a magnificent horse that was consistently in the top three. This partnership culminated in victories, including the Novice riders final and two Men’s opens. The horse’s prowess extended to a third-place finish at Cheltenham’s Hunter Chase evening, solidifying his legendary status.
International Exposure in Australia
Following his time with Paul Nicholls, Jones pursued an interest in Flat racing by heading to Australia. He spent a year at Chris Waller’s stable as a work rider, experiencing the day-to-day routines with a string of horses. Although he didn’t ride the legendary Winx, he was able to gallop alongside her and worked with other top horses like Zousain and The Autumn Sun, both of whom went on to become successful stallions. He also had the invaluable experience of leading Finch in the Melbourne Cup, an event whose build-up dwarfs even the Grand National.
Establishing His Own Training Operation
After gaining experience with David Simcock and Richard Spencer, where he further honed his skills in areas such as managing staff, veterinary duties, and assessing young horses, Jones obtained his training license in April 2022. He had his first runner just a month later.
Currently, his yard houses 14 horses, including five two-year-olds, two jumpers, several three-year-olds, and a mix of older horses, featuring stable stars like Navy Drums and Chagall.
Aspirations and Future Outlook
When asked about his ultimate racing ambition, Jones expresses a desire to win The Melrose 3yo Handicap at York, as well as Classic races like The Derby. However, as a dedicated “Jumps man,” training a Cheltenham Festival winner, perhaps in the County Hurdle with a well-handicapped runner, would be a particularly special achievement.
His stable offers various syndicate options across different age groups and disciplines, catering to a range of budgets. For those interested in joining Jack’s Syndicates, the contact point is his website: https://www.jackjonesracing.co.uk/.
For the season ahead, Jones highlights Goodeveningmrbond, a promising two-year-old, as a horse to watch, anticipating his participation in several notable summer races.
The article concludes with thanks to Jack Jones for his time and best wishes to his team for their future endeavors.
