The Jukebox Man proves a big hit on fencing bow

Cheltenham Festival runner-up The Jukebox Man made a successful start to his career over fences for owner Harry Redknapp in the Coral John Francome Novices’ Chase at Newbury.

Having seen his colours carried to a first victory at the showpiece meeting by Shakem Up’arry the previous afternoon, the popular former football manager looked set to complete a famous Festival double in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle on Gold Cup day in March, only for The Jukebox Man to be caught in the shadow of the post by Stellar Story.

The six-year-old was thrown straight into Grade Two company on his chasing debut by trainer Ben Pauling and went off the 9-4 joint-favourite alongside Captain Teague, who was bidding to complete a treble on the card for Paul Nicholls.

The two market leaders were the front two in the race for much of the two-and-a-half-mile contest, with The Jukebox Man holding sway and jumping accurately under Ben Jones.

While Captain Teague faltered in the home straight, The Jukebox Man certainly did not, galloping on strongly – albeit lugging to his left – from the final fence to repel the late thrust of Masaccio by two lengths.

Johnnywho finished third, with Captain Teague ultimately a little disappointing in fourth.

Pauling said: “Barters Hill was an exceptional talent and I think he might be the same.

“There’s loads to work on, he was a bit close to the first few and was almost in hurdling mode. Ben then did well to rein him in and just pop him down the back.

“He’s a big horse, that’s his run of the season and he’s going to improve a ton. All mine do, so it could be quite exciting, hopefully.

“I had in my head he wasn’t just a dour stayer, he’s slow at home but on the track he finds another gear and I thought he had a touch of class, so dropping him back to two and a half was always my plan.

“I was unsure on this ground we’d have the gears, but we did and it opens up a lot of options. We’ll see what we do between now and March.”

A jubilant Jones told ITV Racing: “That was unbelievable, to land a Grade Two like that for Ben who has obviously given me the job (as stable jockey) this year – it means a lot to me.

“He’s been so good (schooling) at home, a little bit too brave, but he took a chance at the water jump and one down the back and I’d say that’s done him the world of good because he measured his fences really well after that.

“He’s the best horse I’ve ever sat on, without a shadow of a doubt. I felt like I cantered round and just quickened up the home straight.”