Jonathan Roberts on Beau Jangles
by Bob Heyden
Beau Jangles was a whirlwind in the freshman pacing division in 2025 going undefeated, 12-for-12, setting both the Breeders Crown and Canadian 2YO record capping off his season with a stirring 1:48.3 score improving to a season’s best $1,227,376. We caught up with Jonathan Roberts, who is part of the all U.S. ownership of the Cattlewash colt. Dr. Ian Moore conditions the freshman sensation.
“Originally when we first got him, we were hoping for an Ontario Sire Stakes horse,” Roberts said. “One who could race in a Gold final. If not maybe a solid Grassroots type. We got lucky. It’s really that simple. We’re holding the winning lottery ticket.”
With all U.S. ownership, why did Beau Jangles never once leave Canada?
“It just worked out that way. Our goal was always the Breeders Crown and the Metro. The Breeders Crown just happened to be in Canada this year. Had there been say two Ontario Sire Stakes legs and a final we would have shopped around for a race or two in the States. But there were five legs. At the end of the year, we were considering the Governor’s Cup [at The Meadowlands]. All races in Canada just kind of worked out that way.”
How about 12 starts? His grandsire Somebeachsomewhere stopped at six-for-six in 2007 as a freshman with the expressed purpose of being totally ready for his sophomore season?
“We didn’t plan 12. Every colt is different. Believe me we were ready to shut him down after every start later in the year if he showed any signs. Bob [McClure] told us he was fine. Not tired. After a race late in the year he told us he could have gone another lap and they never would have gotten by him. We were playing it week to week. Bob protected him; look at starts No. 2, 3, and 4, they were slower than his first. He just did what he had to to win.”
Why Cattlewash?
“My good friend Mike Hall bought a few early and wound up with the best three. He told me this was the first sire by Somebeachsomewhere that actually reminded him of ‘Beach,’ without being aggressive. That sold me on Cattlewash.”
What did you think of the 2025 freshman crop?
“One of the best in history. I have the utmost respect for the colts he raced against and their connections. Brandon Boulevard, Frantic Hanover, Al Papi, and a handful of others; great group, you’re not always sure how the crop is going to turn out.
“A lot of 2-year-olds were setting world records. But when they went up against Beau Jangles it didn’t seem to matter against him. The more they raced against him the more they did not want to anymore. He is a big strong colt who actually likes to stare down the competition at times. Bob told us he did it in the post parade for the Breeders Crown, right after, and also going to the gate. He’s also quite proud of himself after a race making quite a bit of noise drawing even more attention.”
How did he end the year?
“I am a big believer in putting a horse away the way you want them to come back the next year. That’s what we are hoping for with him.”
You are an accomplished driver in your own right. Ever train Beau?
“Funny story. When we were getting ready for his first start, we needed a driver. Doc Moore and I were chatting on the phone. I told him I would fly up to Canada and drive. Doc was okay with that but wanted to make just one more call. He did. Bob McClure answered and agreed. I had to then cancel the reservation I just made. I will tell you when I go to Orlando the end of February, I will sit behind him one morning.”
You’re a Maryland native who has driven for a quarter century mainly on the Delaware/Maryland circuit and your father is Bib Roberts.
“Dad trains 15-20 and races mostly at Rosecroft and Ocean Downs. Greatgeorgetoo is 23 now and has his own paddock there.”
Has your phone been ringing?
“Yes. We’re not against having partners going forward. We’ve spoken to some breeders, yes. But breeder, doesn’t necessarily mean they stand stud colts. I would say yes to the phone ringing and going forward with possibly more on board.”
Is Beau Jangles the 2025 Horse of the Year?
“Of course, I am prejudiced but I think so. For anyone who thinks he should have or even has to have raced in the States, that wasn’t the horse’s fault. He did everything asked of him and more. And he took on all comers.”
Bob McClure said entering 2025 he was staying close to home to be closer to his two sons.
“I asked Bob if that self-imposed rule applied to 2026. ‘For Beau I will make an exception,’ he said.”
