Kempton: The Jukebox Man wins exciting King George renewal for Harry Redknapp | Racing News

The Jukebox Man, wearing the colors of former Premier League manager Harry Redknapp, came out on top in an epic renewal of the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton Park.

A quality field of eight assembled for the Boxing Day highlight, with the pair of Willie Mullins, Gaelic Warrior and Fact To File, joined at the top of the betting by Nicky Henderson’s recent Ascot winner, Jango Baie.

After trailing Il Est Français for much of the three-mile ride, Ben Pauling’s The Jukebox Man (7-1) took the lead before the final turn under Ben Jones, but the runners were tightly grouped as they straightened for home.

There were still four with a chance of jumping the final fence, with The Jukebox Man, Gaelic Warrior, Jango Baie and last year’s winner Banbridge right there, but after an emotional battle and tense wait it was The Jukebox Man who was given a nose job ahead of Banbridge, trained by Joseph O’Brien.

Pauling said: “It’s something very special. Harry has been an exceptional owner to me and we’ve always been very lucky. I’ve always had great confidence in this horse and so has Harry.

“We’ve won Festival races and we’ve won Grade Ones, but this is the best we’ve done so far. It’s good, a really good Christmas present!”

Redknapp said: “It’s a dream and to have a horse this good is incredible. I love the game, coming here on King George’s Day and just racing made me very proud, but to get the winner is special.

“What a race he ran and he jumped amazing. When they came towards him I thought he was beaten and would finish fourth, but he came back and the courage the horse showed is just incredible.”