Andrew Jones, rider of Coeur Sublime© Photo Healy Racing
Twenty-year-old Andrew Jones partnered a first winner in his family's well-known Champion Chase-winning colours at Listowel today, steering the Henry De Bromhead-trained Coeur Sublime to land the Listowel Failte Abhaile Race.
Having his fourth ride, Jones moved Coeur Sublime (7/2) to lead entering the home straight and pushed out the eight-year old - runner-up in the 2019 Triumph Hurdle, to comfortably beat Minella Mate (8/11f).
The Jones family's roll of honour includes 1996 Champion Chase winner Klairon Davis and today jockey Jones, 20, said "it was a great atmosphere (on Ladies Day) today and there was a lovely scream from the crowd going by. I'm delighted to have done it.
"I'm fortunate to be able to ride in the family colours and I'll tip away and try to get a few more. I'm in college in UCD and being able to do this on the side suits well at the moment. I ride out with Gavin Cromwell, am hoping to get experience race-riding and will keep riding as an amateur.
"Dad (prominent owner Chris Jones) had planned to go on holidays from a while ago and flew out this morning but will be happy out regardless, as the horse has won."
De Bromhead, completing a double, was represented by Robbie Power who said "the horse has been keeping the best of company and that is a great start to the season. The horse deserves to win a big one and that'll help with his confidence.”
He added “it's great for Andrew and while his father had great success over the years with the likes of Klairon Davis, this is the winner he'll get most pleasure out of.
"He gave him a lovely ride - the horse was keen but he didn't panic and was following the right man in Harry Swan (on Minella Mate). He knew he was on the fastest horse in the race and waited until he got balanced straightening up.
"His parents had booked a holiday so flew out this morning but Andrew won't mind!"
