Entrusted with the care of the two Will Clarken’s horses set to compete in Dubai – that is helping oversee their general well-being and race preparation – Jones has relished the responsibility and embraced the greater experience that comes with all of the intricacies that are in play when taking up an international challenge.
The horses involved, He’s a Belter and Parsifal, have reportedly taken the travel aspect of their respective assignments in their stride … following the route from Ballarat to Melbourne to Hong Kong to Dubai … and have also reportedly settled in well in their new surroundings.
He’s A Balter will line up in the opening race on the Meydan card on Friday, the $US60,000 Emmar Dubai Sprint Consolation over 1200m while Parsifal will feature in the $US100,000 Listed Dubai Sprint over the 1200m.
The rich learning experience for Jones will also extend to the race action itself as Jones will ride both of the Clarken trained horses, competing in the saddle against the likes of internationally acclaimed jockeys such as William Buick, James Doyle, Mickael Barzalona and Pat Cosgrove, amongst others, which has to be a thrill in itself.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to ride overseas in trackwork in England and Ireland but certainly it will be another level going to Dubai around the World Cup Carnival,” Jones told Punters.com.
“You can’t buy that sort of experience.”
