Templar of zoom for in-form Ben Jones at Kempton

Ben Jones continued his memorable Christmas at Kempton Park by steering Knight Templar to victory in the Ladbrokes Best Odds Guaranteed On Racing ‘Introductory’ Juvenile Hurdle.

The rider enjoyed a Boxing Day double at the Sunbury circuit for trainer Ben Pauling, including a first Grade One success aboard The Jukebox Man in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase.

The Robert Stephens-trained Knight Templar, who completed a hat-trick on the Flat between early August and October, had shaped with promise when filling the runner-up spot on his hurdling bow at Huntingdon three weeks ago and was a 15-2 shot to go one better.

The eventual fourth Nardaran looked to be travelling best early in the home straight, but Knight Templar finished strongly to prevail by a length and a half from Lucky Bere, with the keen-going 13-8 favourite Risk It All back in third.

“They’re funny old races those races for three-year-olds, as no one really knows what they are. Our lad didn’t jump very well the last day and it’s probably what got us beat in the end,” Jones told Racing TV.

“Today he was completely different. He’s been to Henrietta Knight’s and and whereas the last day he wanted pop away, today he was having a cut at them and I was delighted when he came out of my hands at the first.

“We didn’t go all that quick so he was a little keen and I didn’t want to be wrestling him in behind, so I let him go on a bit and he actually settled lovely. I was happy everywhere really.

“He stays a good trip on the Flat and has got a hell of a turn of foot – I think he has got it all.”

Reflecting on The Jukebox Man’s big-race success, he added: “I think I must have watched the replay 100 times! It was a tremendous day and I’m delighted for everyone, the team back at Ben Pauling’s and obviously Harry (Redknapp, owner).”

Della Casa Lunga (7-2) led from pillar to post in the Ladbrokes Play ‘1-2-Free’ On Football Mares’ Handicap Hurdle.

Trained by Clive Boultbee-Brooks, the five-year-old was second to the high-class Kateira in a Listed event at this venue a month ago and had since undergone wind surgery.

Ridden positively by Richard Patrick, Della Casa Lunga was strongly challenged by both Royale Margaux and Holly Hartingo on the run for home, but she refused to bend in front and passed the post with a length and a quarter in hand over the latter.

“She’s a lovely mare and probably one of the best horses in the yard,” said the winning trainer.

“She ran really well here last time, unfortunately she just got beat, but today was perfect – the ground and the trip and she was in flying form at home.

“We will definitely keep her for breeding. We did get black type last time she was here but we’ll keep the offspring – she’s definitely a keeper!”

Beachcomber ran out an emphatic winner of the Ladbrokes Get Rewarded With Ladbucks Handicap Chase for Jonjo and AJ O’Neill.

Fitted with blinkers for the first time, the 10-1 winner had 10 lengths in hand over Frero Banbou in the hands of Richie McClernon.

“The blinkers have definitely helped him out,” said AJ O’Neill.

“He jumped very well, Rich got him in a lovely rhythm and from quite early on he was able to dictate as he wanted to. I think going right-handed as well, so a combination of all of it seemed to work.”

The Ladbrokes ‘Gaffer Of All Accas’ Handicap Hurdle brought the meeting to a close and it was that man again Ben Jones who struck gold aboard the Ben Clarke-trained Ooh Betty (7-1).