Jeremy Clarkson Ventures into Horse Racing with The Hawkstonian

Renowned TV personality and country enthusiast Jeremy Clarkson has made a noteworthy foray into the world of horse racing with the acquisition of a new thoroughbred. The grey gelding, aptly named The Hawkstonian after Clarkson’s brewery, is set to undergo training under the expert eye of successful trainer Ben Pauling in the picturesque Cotswolds.

Clarkson, known for his roles in Top Gear, The Grand Tour, and the popular series Clarkson’s Farm, expressed excitement about this new venture, highlighting the proximity of Pauling’s training facilities to his own Hawkstone Brewery. The Hawkstonian, standing at 16.3 hands, is slated to make his debut in the upcoming jumps season that commences at the end of April.

In a light-hearted statement, Clarkson quipped about the mix-up with his Hawkstone team, jokingly referencing motor racing instead of horse racing. With Pauling’s close proximity to both the brewery and Diddly Squat Farm, Clarkson humorously noted, ‘I know where my hay is going.’ He further alluded to the historical connection between the Pauling family and their ties to his land and farming practices.

The Hawkstonian’s journey into the world of racing will begin with a syndication model, initially offered to members of Hawkstone Racing’s club before extending to interested parties on the Old Gold Racing waiting list and eventually opening up to the public. The syndication will comprise 3,250 shares priced at £60 each for a 14-month term.

Ed Seyfried, the CEO of Old Gold Racing, expressed delight at being part of the inaugural Hawkstone Racing syndicate and highlighted Clarkson’s influence in reshaping perceptions of agriculture through his television ventures. Seyfried enthusiastically welcomed Clarkson to the racing fraternity for the upcoming season, emphasizing the horse’s capabilities by playfully comparing it to a lawnmower.

On the training front, Ben Pauling shared his eagerness to impart his knowledge of horse racing to Clarkson and the Hawkstone members. He playfully hoped that The Hawkstonian would exhibit the same speed as the renowned plug-in hybrid Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale on the racecourse.

Johnny Hornby, a key figure at Hawkstone Brewery, reflected on the initial suggestion from Clarkson to delve into racing, acknowledging the entertaining misstep while looking forward to the shared enjoyment and excitement that the new venture with The Hawkstonian would bring.