Ben Pauling admitted that “it was a big shock” last April when the Megsons took their horses out of their yard.
The separation was amicable, but the trainer was “very sad to have lost some very intelligent young horses.”
Those quotes from The Racing Post nine months ago hinted that Pauling could take some time to recover this season. But the Gloucestershire-based trainer has recovered quickly and is making the most of everything he has to offer.
He may very well be the National Hunt Jumping Trainer of the Year at the moment.
The Jukebox Man has been a revelation this season. Narrowly defeated in the Albert Bartlett Rookie Chase, The Jukebox Man has been quite exquisite in his two outings this season.
He has won in style on both occasions. His exuberant leap in the Grade 2 John Francome Chase at Newbury last November was a joy to behold. He tested a useful field that day and won by a comfortable two lengths despite failing to shoot.
Ben Pauling is having a good start to the season and is capable of success at Cheltenham
Jukebox Man jumped magnificently to win the first grade Kauto Star novice chase.
He showed his versatility when he advanced up to three miles on faster ground to win the Kauto Star Novices' Chase on Boxing Day with another efficient jumping display.
In beating Hyland by two and a half lengths at Kempton, there was a lot to like. There was no sign of him hanging left on the closed track and Pauling commented that he was faster and more accurate than on his debut.
He has a 5-1 chance of Brown's Advisory Novice Chase at March's Cheltenham Festival and the leading star in Pauling's yard has a good chance of beating a strong Irish challenger.
His jumps will put even the likes of Ballyburn and Dancing City under pressure. Two out of two and wonderfully placed for a spring tilt, Pauling has placed his horses superbly this season.
Jukebox Man achieved his Grade One breakthrough last month as did Pauling's number one driver Ben Jones. Both the star horse and the star jockey are improving together.
It's not just the Jukebox Man who is setting the tone at Naunton Downs. Handstands has made his presence felt and demonstrates Pauling's patience and ability to get horses back on track quickly.
Handstands found the Gallagher Novices' Hurdle too much at last year's festival. He then fell on debut at Wincanton, but has now won his last two races, both Grade Two.
Handstands is another talented novice chaser in Pauling's yard and won the Towton.
Handstands showed no ill effects from his fall in winning the Esher Novices' Chase at Sandown by three and a half lengths from Resplendent Grey.
Yesterday's Towton Novices' Chase at Ffos Las was a tricky affair with only two runners finishing the race, but Handstands was imposing his authority on the proceedings in the final quarter. He always looked the winner and duly held by nine lengths.
Pauling's unwavering faith in Diva Luna has seen many good judges rate her at 14-1 in the Mares' Novices' Hurdle.
He certainly seems to have a solid chance all around. Bowtogreatness has a great disadvantage in staying on good ground in spring. Personal Ambition also looks set to win a qualified rookie chase or a valuable handicap as well.
Pauling is eighth in the British Trainers Championship, but there is every chance of finishing higher. He's only been training since 2013 and is on an upward trajectory.
The great challenge for aspiring coaches is to take advantage when a top-level player appears. Pauling has been able to do that with The Jukebox Man, owned by Harry Redknapp.
He is a trainer who consistently delivers and is starting to reap the rewards, with more high quality horses on the way.
Their outfield has been reliable virtually all season and provides confidence to bettors. For those thinking of siding with Pauling at Cheltenham, his record is reasonable for a yard that has had modest resources for so long; four winners in the last eight years.
Willoughby Court went 14-1 in the Neptune Novices' Hurdle (2017), Le Breuil got the same price in the National Hunt Chase (2019), Global Citizen pulled off a 28-1 upset to win the Grand Annual (2022) and Shakem Up.' arry had an 8-1 chance when he took last year's Festival Plate.
Former football manager Harry Redknapp (left) is a big supporter of the Pauling yard.
Getting four winners at those prices is a testament to Pauling's ability to prepare one for a big win and he is becoming a trainer Saturday bettors should follow as more often than not you will get a run for your money. money with decent odds. , also.
There have been many setbacks on the road to where he is now and there are likely to be more in this unforgiving sport, but Pauling is proof that you can compete with the greats and continue to develop.
The loss of the Megsons is now forgotten. Pauling is doing Handstands next to The Jukebox and harvesting hay while the sun shines.
He could easily add to his tally of four winners at the Cheltenham Festival and you would do well to get a decent price for that.
PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK…
We headed to Fairyhouse where trainer Gavin Cromwell ran a four timer. MIDDLE SIXANDA was an incredibly impressive 12 length winner of the Mares Maiden Hurdle. With a 7-1 record for the Mares Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham, she looks an obvious candidate after easily beating a fairly decent field.
SELECTION OF THE WEEK…
Two graded races at Punchestown today and with Willie Mullins' yard seemingly overcoming its little Christmas problem, LECKY WATSON and SAVIOR OF THE WORLD both can win in a double 11/4 (William Hill). The former likes soft terrain and can stay longer on Down Memory Lane. The main danger for handicappers could well be Gordon Elliott's Farren Glory in the Grade Three Novice Chase (12.55).
Mullins has frequently posted some of his best novice two-mile hurdles in the Moscow Flyer (2.25) and Salvator Mundi should be able to defy a long absence to win here and justify his position at the top of the Supreme Novices' Hurdle. However, the odds are not easy, and his stablemate Kel Histoire could be the only danger.