Harry Redknapp’s horse produced a famous Boxing Day triumph in the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park.
The Jukebox Man, who went into the race as a 7-1 outsider, surged to victory in the three-mile showpiece, edging out defending champion Banbridge along with Gaelic Warrior and Jango Baie in a thrilling finish at Kempton Park.
In what was one of the most dramatic endings to the festive feature’s history, Redknapp, as well as jockey Ben Jones and trainer Ben Pauling, were forced to wait more than a minute before learning whether they had won.
Such was the closeness of the photo-finish between The Jukebox Man, Banbridge and Gaelic Warrior, that the judge required an extended review to separate the front three.
But when the verdict finally came, it confirmed The Jukebox Man’s famous victory – delivering huge success for Redknapp, who couldn’t hide his joy as he embraced jockey Jones.
It comes just days after the former Tottenham and Portsmouth boss spoke with Daily Mail Sport about his quiet optimism going into the race, saying said he hoped The Jukebox Man would ‘run like Gareth Bale’.
The Jukebox Man – owned by Harry Redknapp – has claimed a King George Chase VI victory
Redknapp embraced Ben Jones after claiming the stunning win at the three-mile Kempton Park
‘Of course I’m nervous!’ Redknapp told Daily Mail Sport. ‘I hold my breath at every fence he jumps. Every day you just hope he is safe and sound.
‘When Ben bought him, we hoped he would be okay. You know how difficult it is to get a decent one but here we are. I hope he can run like Gareth Bale!
‘You live in hope. I do lay in bed and think about him jumping the last and going clear. He did at Cheltenham, didn’t he? He was five lengths in front and then the horse he had got past battled back to beat him.
‘It was like being two-up after 90 minutes and the fourth official puts up three minutes. Then bang, bang, bang it’s 3-2. Oh my God! I’m not going there thinking: ‘we are going to win’ – how could I? You’ve got one from Nicky Henderson’s yard, Willie Mullins is sending two. But we’ve got a chance. And we’ll give it our best.’
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