Ben Jones in the Mood for Gold Cup Glory for Harry Redknapp

Jones, from Carmarthen, produced a front-running display on the six-year-old to win the Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase, providing ideal preparation before he partners The Jukebox Man in Friday’s blue-riband race.

Trained by Ben Pauling, Meetmebythesea had been considered one of the stable’s major hopes for the week and justified that confidence in emphatic fashion at odds of 9-1. 

Jones kept the gelding prominently placed throughout and, after turning for home locked in a duel with Gold Dancer, a brilliant leap at the final fence helped his mount pull clear to score by four and three-quarter lengths.

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The success gave Jones valuable momentum before what could be the biggest ride of his career aboard The Jukebox Man, owned by Harry Redknapp.

Speaking after his win, the Welsh rider reflected on what it meant to taste Festival success.

"It's a dream come true. I was brought up watching good, good jockeys ride in these silks, and to ride a winner at Taunton on a Monday is a massive deal, but to ride a winner at the festival, Jesus, it doesn't get much better than that.

"I'm delighted for myself and the team, but I'm more happy in the fact of giving something back to Ben.
 
“I wouldn't be where I am if it weren't for his belief and everyone who backed me behind closed doors.

"Hopefully, we can get another one."

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That “another one” would be the Cheltenham Gold Cup itself, where Jones believes The Jukebox Man arrives in excellent shape after a standout season that included victories in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase and the prestigious King George VI Chase.

"His prep's been A1,” says Jones.

"His run during Christmas time [King George] was fantastic. I think going from there, leading into this prep, has been better. We couldn't be happier.

"We're going into it with hope. We get to Friday and we can get excited then. Though you could probably name five or six that have actually got a live chance."

READ MORE: Sean Bowen Backs Haiti Couleurs for Gold Cup Glory After Final Step Safely Taken

The seven-year-old already has Cheltenham Festival experience, having narrowly missed out when second in the 2024 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle after being caught close home by Stellar Story. 

Jones, however, has no doubts about his stamina over the Gold Cup trip.

"If you watch after the line when the horse actually joins him, he joined him at the wrong time. After the line, he picked up again and went ahead of him again. So there's no doubt in my mind that he does stay.

"I think if that horse joined him at the last flight or even 100 yards before he did, then he would have got back up and won, or he would have held on.

"I think he just got lonely out in front. He was a young horse then and he was having a good look around. So I've got no doubts about the trip."

Jones also recognises the depth of opposition lining up for the sport’s most prestigious steeplechase.

"There are obviously three or four younger horses coming through, which are in the same boat as us. 

“They could be good enough, but they've all got to probably step up again. Without being too confident, I generally wouldn't swap my lad for any of the others.

"I would have feared Galopin Des Champs the most. He had obviously been there, done it. Whereas a lot of the others are new and they're going to have to prove themselves."

Among those hoping to challenge for Gold Cup glory is Haiti Couleurs, trained by Welsh trainer Rebecca Curtis and ridden by fellow Welsh jockey Sean Bowen.

For Jones — the Carmarthen rider who has steadily risen through the ranks — the stage is now set for a dramatic all-Welsh rivalry in jump racing’s greatest prize. 

After his Festival victory on Meetmebythesea, he heads into the Gold Cup with confidence high and hopes of adding the sport’s most coveted trophy to a remarkable season.