Former football manager Harry Redknapp's burgeoning racing dream is set for its ultimate test after his star jumper, The Jukebox Man, was confirmed among the entries for the 2026 Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Redknapp's Racing Champion Aims for Festival Glory
The eight-year-old gelding, trained by Ben Pauling, catapulted himself into the staying chase elite with a dramatic nose victory in the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day. That success took his career earnings to £340,000 and left Redknapp comparing the thrill to competing in football's Champions League.
Now, the undefeated chaser, who is four from four over fences, faces his toughest assignment yet. He is one of 33 horses nominated for the £625,000 Cheltenham Gold Cup, the Festival's blue riband event scheduled for Friday, March 13.
British Challenge Strengthens for Prestigious Race
The home team appears in better health than recent years. While only nine of the 33 entries are trained in the UK, this marks a significant increase from the record low of just five British entries 12 months ago. The total entry list of 33 also surpasses last year's figure of 19.
Leading the British charge alongside The Jukebox Man are several other top contenders. They include Dan Skelton's Betfair Chase winner Grey Dawning, Rebecca Curtis's Irish and Welsh Grand National hero Haiti Couleurs, and Nicky Henderson's Jango Baie, who finished fourth in the King George.
Irish Powerhouses and Defending Champion Under Scrutiny
The race, however, remains dominated by powerful Irish stables. The field includes the defending champion, Inothewayurthinkin, and the 2024 winner, the mighty Galopin Des Champs.
Life has not been straightforward for the reigning champion since his Cheltenham triumph. Trainer Gavin Cromwell admitted his charge was "very disappointing" when tailed off in two runs this season. Cromwell hopes to see improvement, potentially in the Irish Gold Cup, ahead of a title defence. "He enjoys Cheltenham and he's got the entry," Cromwell stated.
Willie Mullins, trainer of Galopin Des Champs, has a formidable squad of nine entries. His battalion includes Savills Chase runner-up Galopin Des Champs, 2024 Grand National winner I Am Maximus, and the talented Gaelic Warrior, who was narrowly beaten by The Jukebox Man at Kempton.
Gordon Elliott has six entries, headed by last year's Gold Cup third, Gerri Colombe. Other major Irish threats include Savills Chase winner Affordale Fury, Banbridge, and Monty's Star.
Betting Market Reflects Open Contest
The current betting suggests a wide-open renewal. Ladbrokes have installed Inothewayurthinkin as the 5-1 favourite, just ahead of Galopin Des Champs at 6-1. The Jukebox Man and Jango Baie are joint-third favourites at 8-1.
Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes said: "This year's Cheltenham Festival looks as open as ever, in particular the Gold Cup. The Irish have been dominating the race for years now, but it seems punters are starting to believe the British challenge can buck the trend."
All roads now lead to Prestbury Park on March 13, where Harry Redknapp will hope his fairytale journey in the sport can reach a spectacular new peak.
