Former Premier League football manager Harry Redknapp has issued a firm hands-off warning to potential buyers regarding his prized racehorse The Jukebox Man, declaring the Cheltenham Gold Cup hopeful is 'not for sale at any price'. The 78-year-old, renowned for his transfer market dealings in football, is now enjoying significant success as a racehorse owner and is determined to retain his star performer.
From Football to Racing Stardom
Redknapp, who managed clubs like West Ham and Tottenham during his 52-year career in professional football, has transitioned into a prominent figure in horseracing. He celebrated his first Cheltenham Festival victory two years ago and now finds himself with a genuine contender for the sport's most prestigious steeplechase. The Jukebox Man, an eight-year-old gelding, delivered Redknapp's greatest racing achievement to date by winning the prestigious King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.
A Dream Horse with Gold Cup Ambitions
The Jukebox Man remains unbeaten in four runs over fences and is currently priced at 11-2 for the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Trainer Ben Pauling is confident the longer trip of the Gold Cup will suit the horse perfectly following his Kempton triumph. "It's a dream to have a horse to run in the Gold Cup and go there with a chance," Redknapp revealed. "I've had an awful lot of horses, still got an awful lot, but this one has taken us to places that you only dream about as a racehorse owner."
Redknapp emphasized his emotional attachment to the horse, stating: "He's my dream, he's not for sale and he wouldn't be for sale at any price. I'm not saying we're going to win it but we've got a serious horse, it's an open race and I think we've got as good a chance as anything."
Racing Overtakes Football in Public Interest
The former football manager admitted that despite his lengthy career in the sport, most people now want to discuss horseracing with him. A regular on theater and hall Q&A circuits, Redknapp explained: "People ask me about The Jukebox Man more than football! I've been to those theatres for Q&As and they all come up to me afterwards. They've not actually come to see me, they've just come to ask me about The Jukebox Man!"
Gold Cup Nerves Compared to Football Finals
When asked if Gold Cup day would feel similar to the morning of a football cup final, Redknapp described the unique tension of watching his horse compete. "It'll be very similar. I'll obviously be very nervous and probably more nervous watching a race than I am even at football on the touchline. You get nervous every jump," he confessed.
Redknapp elaborated on the emotional experience: "I hold my breath, you know. It's a nerve-wracking experience. I think when you're stood there, nothing you can do, you're in their hands and you just pray that they come back safe and sound, most importantly." The comparison highlights how deeply invested Redknapp has become in his racing ventures, with The Jukebox Man representing the pinnacle of his ownership career to date.
