The Jukebox Man Prepares to Shine in Fences Debut

Harry Redknapp's exciting prospect The Jukebox Man makes his highly anticipated chasing debut in the Coral John Francome Novices’ Chase at Newbury on Friday. The former football manager, known for his FA Cup triumph with Portsmouth and Champions League run with Tottenham, has shifted his focus to equestrian success, with Ben Pauling training his seven-year-old star.

After near misses in Grade One hurdles at Cheltenham and Aintree, The Jukebox Man is ready for a new challenge. Pauling expressed confidence, stating:

“He’s been electric in his schooling, and we’re as excited as anyone to see him start this journey. It’s a deep race, but he’s in great shape and should jump and travel nicely.”

Redknapp, a loyal supporter of Pauling, will miss this key moment due to a prior engagement in Cardiff.

Formidable Opposition

Among the competition is Paul Nicholls’ Captain Teague, who defeated The Jukebox Man in last season’s Challow Hurdle at Newbury. After an aborted debut due to a walkover at Exeter, Captain Teague’s trainer is eager to see him tackle fences:

"I’ve always thought he’d make a top-class chaser. His schooling has been excellent, and he’s in prime condition."

Long Distance Hurdle Features Strong Leader

The card also includes the Coral Long Distance Hurdle, headlined by Olly Murphy’s Strong Leader, a Liverpool Hurdle victor. Murphy is optimistic about his stable star:

“He’s fit enough to win, but has more to come. It’s a tight field, but I wouldn’t swap my lad.”

Facing Strong Leader are Monmiral, owned in part by Sir Alex Ferguson, and Langer Dan, a dual Coral Cup winner who thrives in spring, according to trainer Dan Skelton.

With top-class talent on display, Newbury’s Friday action promises excitement across both novice chasing and long-distance hurdling disciplines.