Jones races through 7lb claim

Former point-to-point rider Ben Jones has ridden out his 7lb claim as a professional jockey in double-quick time.

Jones, who grew up in Carmarthenshire but is now based with trainer Philip Hobbs in Somerset, tweeted: “Fantastic to have ridden my 7lb claim out so soon … let the winners continue,” after notching a treble on yesterday’s Hereford card. He scored on Searching (11/4) and Field Exhibition (4/1) for Chepstow trainer Grace Harris, and completed a memorable day with victory on Runasimi River (11/8f) for Neil Mulholland, whose yard is based near Bath.

Jones, 19, the son of Ffos Las clerk of the course Dai and his wife Emma, became a conditional jockey in mid-summer after riding 19 point-to-point winners last season, and a total of 35 in three seasons. His father rode more than 200 winners in points and was a multiple champion in Wales.

Following his Tuesday hat-trick the teenager told Sky Sports Racing: “It’s not been a bad day at all.

“A lot of hard work has gone into it and it’s nice that it’s paying off. My coach Rodi Greene has been a big help and everyone at home is a big part of this. I’m excited to see what the future brings.”