Jeremy Clarkson’s Entry Into Racehorse Ownership
Jeremy Clarkson’s move into racehorse ownership with the Hawkstonian adds a high‑profile name to the sport and raises interest among racing followers and potential syndicate buyers in the UK. This article outlines the sporting, ownership and betting considerations around the project while reminding readers that betting is for those aged 18 and over and should be undertaken responsibly.
What Clarkson’s Syndicate Means For Racing Fans
Clarkson’s involvement is likely to increase public attention on point‑to‑point and national hunt racing in the Cotswolds and beyond, with fans and casual viewers alike curious to follow The Hawkstonian’s progress. As always, anyone considering any form of gambling or syndicate membership should do so only if they are 18+, understand the risks, and consider the activity as entertainment rather than a way to make money.
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.
How The Hawkstonian Was Acquired And Prepared
The Hawkstonian was bought at the Goffs Arkle sale and is described in the original text as a four‑year‑old grey bought for €45,000; such purchases are typical for prospective national hunt recruits that require further education and time before hitting the track. Owners and syndicates usually plan trials and schooling with the trainer to build a campaign that suits the horse’s profile rather than rushing progressive types straight to competitive shows.
The Hawkstonian: Age, Colour And Purchase Details
The key purchase facts in the original content provide useful context for new syndicate members and for those assessing early form and pedigree, noting age, colour and the sale venue. These details help bookmakers and form analysts place the horse against similarly purchased recruits when assessing future entries.
Ben Pauling’s Role And Local Cotswold Ties
Trainer Ben Pauling’s local connections to the Cotswolds are a natural bridge to Clarkson’s Diddly Squat estate and Hawkstone Brewery, and that proximity can aid stable visits and hands‑on involvement for syndicate owners. Pauling’s experience with young horses and his network of local staff increases the probability of staged, careful preparation rather than aggressive early campaigning.
Timeline For Syndicate Share Sales And Dates
The original article lists dates when Hawkstone club members and Old Gold Racing buyers can access shares, with a public sale following shortly after those pre‑sales. Syndicates commonly release initial offers to affiliated club members before opening shares to the wider public, so prospective buyers should check those dates in advance.
How Syndicates Work And Share Availability
Syndicates spread the cost and management of racehorse ownership across multiple people, offering smaller stakes in a horse and access to ownership benefits without single‑owner responsibility. Share prices, the number of shares, and what is included (race entries, travel, insurance) vary between syndicates so buyers should read terms carefully and ask questions before committing.
Richard Hammond, Carol Vorderman And Shared Ownership
Celebrities such as Richard Hammond and Carol Vorderman have been named in association with shared ownership elsewhere, demonstrating that syndicates can attract a wide range of participants from enthusiasts to public figures. Celebrity involvement can increase media interest and visibility but does not change the sporting uncertainties inherent to racing.
What To Expect From The Hawkstonian This Season
Expect a cautious campaign suited to a horse acquired as a four‑year‑old at an Arkle sale: initial schooling, perhaps a point‑to‑point or beginner’s chase, and progressive steps into competitive grades once schooling and jumping are assured. Trainers will typically avoid placing new recruits under undue pressure; form is built gradually and owners should be prepared for setbacks as part of the development process.
What This Means For Owners And Syndicate Members
Syndicate members should expect regular updates from the trainer and syndicate manager, with opportunities to visit the yard and attend race days when the horse runs, plus the usual costs and responsibilities listed in syndicate terms. New members should also ensure they understand cancellation policies, transaction fees and how prize money is treated before joining.
Betting Considerations For The Hawkstonian Races
For those interested in betting, early runs for horses like The Hawkstonian often provide informative starting points for assessing suitability to ground, trip and competition, but novice runs can be unpredictable and odds should be considered accordingly. Remember that betting should not be used to chase losses and must be approached as entertainment; any betting activity must be for those aged 18+, and you should set affordable limits.
Responsible Gambling Advice For Racing And Betting Fans
Anyone using bookmaker services or considering stakes should be 18 or older, set a betting budget, and use tools like deposit limits and self‑exclusion where needed to keep activity in control. If gambling stops being a fun activity, seek support from UK services such as GamCare and the NHS gambling support pages and consider using our bookmaker comparison tools for clearer, safer choices.
Media Impact And Agricultural Crossovers
Clarkson’s wider media presence through Clarkson’s Farm and his Hawkstone brand brings fresh audiences to racing, which can be positive for the sport in terms of attention and broader public engagement. The crossover of farming, brewing and racing in this project underlines the rural and community roots of many national hunt operations and can highlight local trainers and small‑scale syndicates.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Clarkson’s Racing Move
How can I buy a share in the Hawkstone racing syndicate?
Share sales are handled by the syndicate operator and typically start with pre‑sales to club members before a public offering; check the syndicate’s official pages and the dates listed in the original article to register interest. Always read the syndicate terms and ensure you are 18+ before purchasing any shares.
When will shares and public sales for The Hawkstonian open?
The published schedule in the original content states club members are first, followed by a waiting list and then a public sale on April 25; check the syndicate operator for confirmation and availability. Make sure you allow time for registration and payment processes, and note that share availability can change.
Who is Ben Pauling and what are his Cotswold connections?
Ben Pauling is the trainer named alongside Clarkson in the original text and is a Cotswold native with links to local farming families, which explains the proximity to Diddly Squat and Hawkstone Brewery. Prospective owners should research a trainer’s record and yard facilities as part of their decision to join a syndicate.
Will Jeremy Clarkson take part in day-to-day racing decisions?
High‑profile owners vary in their level of day‑to‑day involvement; the original article suggests Clarkson will lead the syndicate but the trainer typically makes routine decisions on schooling and race selection. Syndicate agreements normally explain what level of input owners have and how decisions are communicated.
How might Clarkson’s TV profile affect interest in racing?
Celebrity involvement often boosts media attention and spectator interest, which can be positive for awareness and attendances, but it does not change the sporting uncertainty of race outcomes. Keep a clear distinction between increased attention and actual performance when forming views on betting or ownership.
Are Richard Hammond and Carol Vorderman co-owners?
The original content confirms Richard Hammond has part‑ownership interests in other horses and Carol Vorderman is linked with Subway Surf; this illustrates how public figures often participate in syndicates. Ownership structures differ by horse, so consult each syndicate for specific details.
What should I know before betting on a novice racehorse?
Novice horses are often improving and can be inconsistent, so research schooling reports, trainer comments and the horse’s purchase background before betting, and always stake within your limits. Betting should be 18+ only and treated as a form of entertainment, never a source of income.






