Rookie Newmarket trainer off the mark with 'unreal' 36-rated winner

Not many trainers harbour hopes of bagging their first winner with a horse running from 10lb out of the handicap, but that is what happened to rookie Newmarket handler Jack Jones at Chelmsford last Thursday.

Formerly an understudy to Richard Spencer and David Simcock, Jones celebrated a first victory at the 27th attempt in unlikely circumstances when 18-1 chance Chagall won the finale at the Essex track.

It may only have been a minor event which rounded off a seven-race card on the all-weather under the lights, but it was a milestone success for the 27-year-old former point-to-point rider, who took out his training licence in April.

Chagall denied favourite Maylah by a short head under Dylan Hogan in the Class 6 mile handicap to make a winning stable debut for Jones, having previously been with Laura Hourigan.

Chagall and happy connections after a landmark win at Chelmsford

Jones said: “Chagall’s official rating is 36, which is madness, but he had to run off 46 in the race so it was some performance. It was his first run for us and last chance saloon really but he had been working well and maybe he’s been revitalised by the change of scene.

"It was the owner Daniel Jolland’s first ever horse and I know he backed him at 66-1 before the race so it was a magical start for all of us really.”

Jones, who rents out part of Rae Guest’s Chestnut Tree Stables on Newmarket’s Hamilton Road, added: “It was unreal to get our first winner.

"We’d had Jack D’Or finish second twice and Wooders Dream third twice. Silver Screen was third and then second and everyone says they’ll win next time.”

Chagall is entered back at Chelmsford on Thursday and Jones added: “Thursday's race is a 0-55. Theoretically he is taking on lesser rivals so hopefully he can follow up.”

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