Former football manager and I'm a Celebrity winner Harry Redknapp experienced what he described as 'nerve-wracking' moments watching his star racehorse The Jukebox Man make a triumphant return to racing at Haydock on Saturday.
A Winning Comeback After 331 Days
The Ben Pauling-trained thoroughbred had been absent from the track for 331 days after sustaining an injury during routine exercise. Despite this lengthy layoff, The Jukebox Man showed no signs of rust as he extended his unbeaten run over fences to three with an impressive victory in the Betfair Graduation Chase.
Starting as the 8-11 favourite, the horse made all the running under jockey Ben Jones, demonstrating quick and accurate jumping throughout the 2m5½f contest. The Jukebox Man stretched clear on the approach to the line, with an animated Jones aboard, securing a commanding win that delighted his famous owner.
Redknapp's Touchline Nerves
Redknapp, who was cheering on his star at the track, compared the experience to his football management days. "It was nerve-wracking watching it, like sitting on the touchline with ten minutes to go and you're hanging on for a win," he said. "You're nervous, but he was travelling so well and barring an accident you thought he was going to win from some way out. He's a lovely horse and I'm very lucky to own him."
Before his injury setback, The Jukebox Man had produced an excellent display in the Kauto Star Novices' Chase, run over the same course and distance as the prestigious King George VI Chase.
King George VI Chase Odds Slashed
Bookmakers William Hill immediately reacted to the impressive performance by cutting The Jukebox Man's odds for the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day to 7-1 from 12-1.
Jockey Ben Jones told ITV Racing: "It's been a long road to get him back to the track and for him to operate the way he did today, the way he went through the race, shows how professional and what a good horse he is."
Trainer Ben Pauling reported that racing fans can expect further improvement from the chaser, who was considered a leading hope for the Cheltenham Festival before his injury. "That was brilliant because he did genuinely need it and Ben said he was even a bit raspy in his wind crossing the line because he needed it that much," Pauling explained. "He has this amazing way at his fences, short or long, he's quick and in and out. All being well it sets us up for a few weeks time."
William Hill spokesman Lee Phelps commented on the significant market moves, noting: "We've seen two seriously impressive seasonal debuts and displays of jumping from Jango Baie and The Jukebox Man, both firmly throwing their hats into the ring for the King George."
