Former Top Gear and current Grand Tour presenter Jeremy Clarkson is set for his opening furlong into racing this year.
The 64-year-old star of Amazon hit Clarkson’s Farm, is primed to head up a Cotswold-based syndicate with All Gold Racing.
And after building a farm shop and restaurant, could his next project be a stable?
Clarkson will team with trainer Ben Pauling – a Cotswold native himself – with a horse named after his own beer brand.
The Hawkstonian, takes his moniker after the TV star’s own label, Hawkstone.
An eye-catching grey, the 4yo was purchased for €45,000 at Goffs Arkle sale last year.
‘Horse racing and motor racing confused’
A man more known for speed in cars and more recently his green fingers, perhaps his move into racing is not so unlikely.
Having made the trials and tribulations of farming must-see viewing, stepping into the world of horse racing could be seamless.
“I said to the Hawkstone team that we should get into racing but clearly they got motor racing and horseracing confused!” Clarkson said.
“That said, Ben Pauling is a stone’s throw from Diddly Squat Farm and the Hawkstone Brewery, so I know where my hay is going.
“Furthermore, the Pauling family originally farmed our land and taught Kaleb [Cooper, who appears on Clarkson’s Farm] all he knows about farming.”
The Hawkstonian will initially be on sale to members of the Hawkstone’s club on April 22.
Old Gold Racing’s waiting list opens the following day, before the public sale of shares takes place on April 25.
Ed Seyfried, chief executive of Old Gold Racing, said: “We’re honoured to be powering the inaugural Hawkstone Racing syndicate.
“Jeremy has helped transform views of agriculture with his hit television show and we are looking forward to welcoming him on the racing scene this coming season.”
Clarkson joins his co-host Richard Hammond in part-owning a horse, with Kim Bailey-trained Subway Surf alongside presenter Carol Vorderman.
