'A dream' - Redknapp's The Jukebox Man wins King George

4 months ago 31
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Jockey Ben Jones hugs owner Harry Redknapp after The Jukebox Man wins the 2025 King George VI Chase at Kempton ParkImage source, PA Media

Image caption,

The Jukebox Man had just one previous race in 2025, winning at Haydock in November

ByBen Collins

BBC Sport journalist

Harry Redknapp's The Jukebox Man rallied at the last to clinch a thrilling victory in the King George VI Chase.

The Group One race at Kempton Park went down to a photo-finish with last year's winner Banbridge and 9-4 joint-favourite Gaelic Warrior.

Owner Redknapp faced an anxious wait before the ex-Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham manager could celebrate the win.

The trio went into the final jump together, with The Jukebox Man coming down in third, but Ben Jones led the 7-1 shot back between his two rivals.

Although Banbridge (16-1) edged fractionally in front, Redknapp's charge dug deep to win by a nose, with Gaelic Warrior a similar margin back in third.

The victory was worth £142,375 to Redknapp, who was trembling as he spoke to ITV Racing moments after his winner was confirmed.

"It is a dream, to have a horse that good," he said. "I love the game that much.

"The guts the horse has shown is amazing, I thought he was going to come fourth.

"Everyone was jumping on me at the end and I didn't know I had won.

"I love the racing and the game, the people in it, and to have a winner on the big stage is fantastic."

More to follow.

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