The Jukebox Kid Showcases Jumping Brilliance in Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase

Ben Pauling’s excellent day at Ascot began in emphatic fashion in the Grade 2 Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase, as The Jukebox Kid demonstrated the quality of jumping that has become his defining attribute. Sent off as the 4-9 favourite and ridden with confidence by Ben Jones, the five-and-a-half-length winner gave a display that was as assured as any novice chaser seen at Ascot this season.

Reviewing the replay, what immediately stands out is The Jukebox Kid’s rhythm and consistency at his obstacles. Pauling had specifically flagged his horse’s jumping as his foremost asset in the build-up, and the race fully vindicated that assessment. Jones was able to meet virtually every fence on a good stride, allowing the horse to maintain a fluid gallop throughout the three-mile trip.

Key Observations on Replay

– **Jumping consistency:** From the first fence to the last, The Jukebox Kid presented a clean jumping profile. Pauling noted post-race that he had been “cold” early doors on previous occasions, making his willingness to attack the fences from the outset particularly pleasing.
– **Relentlessness of gallop:** Once Jones began to assert approaching the home straight, the race was settled with a minimum of fuss. There was no hanging or leaning, and the horse stretched clear between the final two fences to score with something in reserve.
– **Western Knight’s performance:** The runner-up ran a solid race in defeat and was the best of the rest by a distance. The margin of defeat was simply a reflection of The Jukebox Kid’s superiority on the day.

Trainer Reaction and Future Plans

Pauling was delighted with the performance: “His jumping is his asset, and this horse can be cold early, so I was really pleased to see him jump off and attack his fences.”

Crucially, Pauling was non-committal about a Cheltenham Festival appearance. The Jukebox Kid will receive a National Hunt Chase entry, but his trainer is actively considering a trip to Ireland for the Fairyhouse meeting at Easter instead. “He doesn’t always come out of his races brilliantly,” Pauling explained, adding that the horse could also be entered in races with relevance to the Grand National.

The Reynoldstown victory formed part of a remarkable Ascot treble for Pauling and his stable jockey Ben Jones on 14 February, with Mondoui’boy also winning the Betfair Novices’ Hurdle and Fiercely Proud completing the three-timer.