Ben Pauling, based at Naunton Downs, is confident he has assembled the strongest group of horses he has ever brought to the Cheltenham Festival. At the forefront is his Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup contender, The Jukebox Man.
Pauling, a trainer with four previous Festival wins—including Willoughby Court (2017), Le Breuil (2019), Global Citizen (2022), and Shakem Up’arry (2024)—spoke at a recent media event hosted by The Jockey Club. He said, “This is the best team I’ve had going into The Festival. I’m determined only to bring horses who are genuinely competitive.”
He added that the festival this year poses a rare opportunity: “With Aintree being a month after Cheltenham, trainers can afford to target both events without holding back. There will be fewer instances of ‘saving’ horses for Aintree because I believe you can go for honours at both.”
READ MORE: Police Issue Cheltenham Festival Warning on Banned Devices and Safety Measures
READ MORE: Benefit Fraudster Avoids Immediate Jail Despite £70,000 Fraudulent Claims
Pauling notes the depth of his stable, saying, “Some horses heading to Cheltenham might normally be the third, fourth, or even fifth best chances of the week. That alone shows how strong our squad is. It would be disappointing not to secure at least one winner this year.”
Highlighting his notable runners outside of The Jukebox Man, Pauling discussed Taurus Bay, a promising novice set to compete in the Turners Novices’ Chase. “He’s still improving and could run in the Albert Bartlett; we’ll decide after monitoring his fitness in the coming weeks.” Another hopeful, an improving novice chase contender, overcame a sluggish start this season and recently impressed at Sandown, positioning him well for the Festival’s Grand Annual Chase.
Pauling also shared insights on Grey Dawning, who faced challenges earlier in the season due to a soft palate issue that was subsequently corrected with laser surgery. “After the operation, we saw an incredible transformation. He’s since performed strongly, including beating Gold Cup contender Jango Baie. We’re realistic—he’s not guaranteed a Gold Cup spot—but if the Ryanair Chase pace suits, he’s a genuine contender.”
Regarding his other Festival runners, Pauling mentioned one horse with entries in the Jack Richards Novices' Chase and the Plate Handicap Chase. “We’re leaning toward the Plate, as it plays to the horse’s strengths in handicap races on heavy ground, but the owners will have a say.”
Finally, he highlighted a mare who faced injury earlier but has bounced back to target the Mares’ Chase, where she promises to be highly competitive given her previous strong Festival performance.
With such a well-rounded and talented team, Ben Pauling is optimistic about his chances at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival.