The Jukebox Man, owned by former football manager Harry Redknapp, produced a stunning last-fence rally to secure a dramatic win in the 2025 King George VI Chase at Kempton Park. The Grade One chase went down to a photo-finish against Banbridge and Gaelic Warrior, delighting fans and capping a memorable Boxing Day of top-class National Hunt racing.
A Photo-Finish Thriller
The three-mile contest saw The Jukebox Man, trained by Ben Pauling, start as a 7-1 outsider against joint-favourite Gaelic Warrior (9-4) and last year’s winner Banbridge (16-1). Going into the final fence, all three horses were neck-and-neck, with jockey Ben Jones guiding Redknapp’s seven-year-old into third place.
However, in a breathtaking display of determination, The Jukebox Man powered between his rivals in the final strides to claim victory by a nose, with Gaelic Warrior finishing just behind in third. Jones, who had clenched his fist thinking he was finishing fourth, celebrated the official result with palpable relief and excitement.
Redknapp’s Emotional Triumph
Redknapp, 78, who retired from football management in 2017 after spells at Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham, and Birmingham City, described the win as a “dream” and “unbelievable.” The victory carries prize money of £142,375 and marks a career highlight for the former manager-turned-owner.
“To come here on King George day and just run made me so proud, but to have the winner is special. I am so lucky,” Redknapp said.
“The guts the horse has shown is just amazing. Everyone was jumping on me at the end and I didn’t know I had won. But we had a lot of support here today, and I love the racing, I love the game, I love the people in it.”
The Race Unfolded
Il Est Francais, who finished second to Banbridge last year, led much of the race before The Jukebox Man moved forward prior to the final bend. As the field straightened for home, four horses broke clear, with The Jukebox Man eventually prevailing in a photo-finish.
This victory marks The Jukebox Man’s fourth consecutive win, following his previous success in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase and a Haydock triumph in November 2025, his only other run of the year.
Jockey Ben Jones reflected on the tight finish:
“I thought I’d won by a head and didn’t have anything to worry about. But it turned out to be a proper horse race right to the line.”
Trainer Ben Pauling echoed the sentiment, calling it “exceptional” and praising Redknapp’s support:
“We’ve won Festival races and Grade Ones, but this is the best we’ve achieved to date. Harry has been an exceptional owner, and we’ve always had huge faith in this horse.”
Other Highlights from Kempton Park
- Sir Gino made a triumphant return in the Christmas Hurdle, winning by six lengths from Golden Ace under Nico de Boinville. This was the five-year-old’s first race since an infection curtailed his season last year.
- Kitzbuhel impressed in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase, stepping up in class and trip to secure a front-running win by two-and-three-quarter lengths, giving trainer Willie Mullins his first victory in this race.
Looking Ahead
With the 2025 King George VI Chase now in the books, The Jukebox Man has firmly established himself among the elite of National Hunt racing, and Redknapp’s victory adds to an already storied sporting career. Fans and pundits alike will be eagerly anticipating the horse’s next runs, including potential Cheltenham Festival entries and Grade One contests in 2026.
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