Former Premier League football manager Harry Redknapp is set for a 'nerve-wracking' Christmas as he pursues a dream victory in one of racing's most prestigious events.
A Boxing Day Dream at Kempton
The 78-year-old, who has become a prominent figure in horse racing ownership since retiring from the dugout, will head to Kempton Park on Boxing Day. His aim is to see The Jukebox Man compete in the £250,000 Ladbrokes King George VI Chase. Redknapp has described winning the race as 'a dream', a sentiment that underscores the significance of this midwinter highlight for the sporting icon.
Redknapp's foray into ownership has already yielded notable success. He memorably celebrated a first Cheltenham Festival winner in 2024 when Shakem Up'Arry, trained by Ben Pauling, landed the Plate. Now, his festive plans revolve entirely around another Pauling-trained charge, The Jukebox Man, who represents his most serious contender for a major championship race to date.
The Jukebox Man's Form and Chances
The gelding heads to the King George on the back of a highly promising performance. Last month, he made a perfect return to action at Haydock Park, running out an easy winner of the Betfair Exchange Graduation Chase. That victory has installed him as an 8-1 chance with the race sponsor for the Boxing Day feature.
'When Ben bought The Jukebox Man you hoped he would be alright, but you never know,' Redknapp admitted. 'To end up with a horse that is good enough to go there and have a realistic chance is fantastic. He has outgrown all our expectations.'
Despite his optimism, Redknapp is acutely aware of the scale of the challenge. The race is expected to feature top contenders from powerful stables like those of Willie Mullins and Nicky Henderson. 'It is a hot race and it will be a tough race,' he conceded. 'But he looks like he is in great shape and Ben said he has been working great, so you never know.'
Family Festivities and Racing Nerves
The former West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur manager will spend Christmas Day at the home of his son, Mark, before travelling to Kempton with his wife, Sandra, who does not usually attend race meetings. 'Sandra doesn't go racing usually as I normally wander off!' he quipped.
Reflecting on what victory would mean, Redknapp compared it to his Cheltenham triumph. 'The dream was to always have a winner at the Cheltenham Festival... To get a winner there will always be special to me, but to win a King George would be a dream.' He acknowledged the heightened pressure, stating plainly that the occasion will be 'nerve racking'.
With trainer Ben Pauling reportedly 'bullish' about the horse's condition, all eyes will be on The Jukebox Man as he steps up in grade. For Harry Redknapp, a man familiar with sporting pressure, Boxing Day offers the chance to realise a whole new kind of sporting ambition.
