CAITLIN JONES DOES AUSTRALIA PROUD

By Graham Potter | Saturday, February 26, 2022

Just two short months ago, the world stage was about to open up for the South Australian based jockey Caitlin Jones with the stamp on her passport indicating ‘Destination Dubai’ … courtesy of trainer Will Clarken’s decision to take two horses … He’s a Balter and Parsifal … to the UAE.

But Jones could have had no idea how exciting and fruitful her sortie onto the international scene was going to prove to be.

Just taking in the behind the scenes racing set-up at the magnificent Meydan racecourse would be an stimulating, educational experience for any visiting jockey … and then to ride against some of the top professionals in the game … the likes of Jamie Spencer, William Buick and James Doyle … as Jones did when partnering He’s a Balter to a runner-up finish in his first run in Dubai and then again to fourth place in a Group 2 event … was again a learning experience second to none.

Jones was doing Australia proud … but that was just the entrée/

And what a main course was to follow!

On Friday, at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, Jones won the stc International Jockey’s Challenge … a unique challenge in which seven male and seven female riders ride randomly drawn horses over a four race legs with the winner being determined on an accumulative points basis.

And that, after Jones was still only listed as a reserve rider close to race-day.

Speaking to the West Australian, Jones set up the background of what was to become one of the most memorable moments of her career.

"When I got asked to go to Dubai to ride it was an opportunity I was never going to refuse. That's the wonderful thing about racing. It can take you anywhere in the world. My opportunity to ride here came from me going to Dubai. I was invited, but put on reserve. There was a girl in front of me and she couldn't make it.”

Then it was up to Jones to make the most of a rare opportunity … and she didn’t miss!

"I don't ride here and it's not easy to do form,” Jones said, speaking to the West Australian. “I watched the replays and did as much homework as I could without overdoing it. I never had any dirt experience either. My winner (Koheylan Alkheil) was the one I had most confidence in.”

That win, in the third leg, coupled with a second place in an earlier heat, saw Jones accrue 25 points … 3 points more than Joel Rosario … which was enough to clinch the overall competition win and the US$100 000 prize that came with the glory of victory.

Glen Boss also won a leg of the Jockey’s Challenge to make it a really big night out for Australia. Boss, who wrapped up his illustrious career at the meeting, finished third in the Challenge.

“It is sensational that myself and Bossy have won races here tonight,” Jones told Thoroughbred Daily News (Europe) after it was all over. “I have a lot of people to thank, especially trainer Will Clarken who brought me to Dubai to ride his horses … and without that I would not be here tonight.

“To be rewarded with this is overwhelming.”