Harry Redknapp's Unusual Double Ambition: Gold Cup Glory and Jungle Crown
Former football manager Harry Redknapp is pursuing a remarkable sporting and entertainment double this season, targeting victory in both the prestigious Cheltenham Gold Cup and the upcoming I'm A Celebrity South Africa television series. The 79-year-old, who famously won I'm A Celebrity in 2018, now hopes to add horse racing's biggest prize to his collection of achievements.
The Gold Cup Dream with The Jukebox Man
Redknapp's horse The Jukebox Man is among the favourites for Friday's Cheltenham Gold Cup, with the former West Ham and Tottenham manager expressing cautious optimism about their chances. "I am going there with a realistic chance and keep my fingers crossed," Redknapp revealed. "To have a run at Cheltenham would be a dream for most people."
The football legend will be relying on more than just training and form, however. He plans to wear a special silk tie given to him by former player Paolo Di Canio, which he believes brought him luck when his horse Shakem Up'Arry won at Cheltenham two years ago. "I always said it was because of Paolo's tie," Redknapp explained, detailing how the Italian striker presented him with the gift during a chance meeting in Bournemouth. "So all the big races now it's the only time I wear it. It's been lucky for me so I am looking forward to that."
Return to the Jungle for ITV Special
Simultaneously, Redknapp is preparing to return to the jungle for I'm A Celebrity South Africa, an all-stars version of the popular ITV show filmed in Kruger National Park. The special brings together former campmates including Scarlett Moffatt, Seann Walsh, Ashley Roberts, David Haye, Sinitta, and Sir Mo Farah for a new adventure.
Redknapp's motivation for returning to the challenging environment is characteristically straightforward: "I know I went back... but they pay you again!" he smiled. This marks a significant turnaround from his initial reluctance to join the original series in 2018, when he admitted: "They came to me about the show and I said 'No. I'm not interested. I've never seen that programme'. And they came back and offered me the money and I went 'I have always loved that programme!'"
A Lifelong Passion for Horse Racing
Redknapp's connection to horse racing runs deep, dating back to his childhood when his grandmother took illegal bets in their neighbourhood. "I grew up with racing," he recalled. "My nan used to take all the bets off the old girls in the street... I remember one time I came home for my school dinner and I was about eight then and my nan was being put in the back of a police van because in those days betting was totally illegal."
His interest continued during his football management career, with Redknapp noting: "When I went to West Ham, all the players in those days would sit and read Sporting Life and pick out winners!" He has been a racehorse owner since the 1980s and describes The Jukebox Man's Gold Cup bid as the culmination of decades of involvement in the sport.
Television Career Beyond the Jungle
Beyond his jungle adventures, Redknapp has built an extensive television portfolio including appearances in EastEnders, Dream Team, Harry Heroes, Harry's Sandbanks Summer, Soccer Aid, and Hard To Please OAPs. He recently performed his one-man show An Evening With Harry Redknapp in Somerset, where fans inquired about potential appearances on other reality shows.
While he hasn't been approached for Celebrity Traitors yet ("I haven't seen it but I have heard it's fantastic"), Redknapp confirmed he will appear in the upcoming ITV series Celebrity Sabotage, demonstrating his continued popularity with television producers and audiences alike.
The Jukebox Man will compete in the Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday, while Celebrity Sabotage begins on ITV on Saturday March 21, and I'm A Celebrity South Africa launches next month. Redknapp has placed bets on his own success in both ventures, describing it as "an each way double" that could see him crowned champion in two very different arenas.
