The Jukebox Man, owned by former football manager Harry Redknapp, will kick off his chasing career in the Coral John Francome Novices’ Chase at Newbury on Friday. The six-year-old, trained by Ben Pauling, is among six declared for the Grade Two contest.
A standout novice hurdler last season, The Jukebox Man claimed runner-up finishes in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham and the Sefton Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree. However, his connections have long viewed his future as lying over fences.
Among his rivals is Captain Teague, trained by Paul Nicholls, who bested The Jukebox Man in the Challow Hurdle last term. Captain Teague will aim to emulate stablemate Hermes Allen, who triumphed in this race last year.
Other key contenders include Jonjo and AJ O’Neill’s Johnnywho, a recent winner on his chasing debut at Carlisle, and Dan Skelton’s Boombawn, already a Grade Two scorer over fences. Alan King’s Masaccio, a course-and-distance winner, and Charlie Longsdon’s Bugise Seagull complete the lineup.
Coral Long Distance Hurdle Highlights Newbury Card
Also featured on Newbury's Friday card is the Coral Long Distance Hurdle, headlined by Olly Murphy’s Strong Leader. The Aintree Grade One winner, who thrives over three miles, looks to cement his place at the top of the staying hurdle division—a race Murphy previously won with Thomas Darby in 2021.
His challengers include two Cheltenham Festival stars: Langer Dan (Dan Skelton), who was narrowly beaten twice by Impaire Et Passe, and Monmiral (Paul Nicholls). Completing the quartet is Flight Deck, third in this race last year for trainer Deborah Cole.
Both graded races promise to deliver high-quality action as the jumps season heats up.