Ecstasy to agony for Harry Redknapp after being denied second Festival triumph
Harry Redknapp’s Cheltenham Festival went from ecstasy to agony on Friday.
The former Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham manager must know what it is like to concede a match to a last minute winner. He experienced the equivalent on the racecourse with The Jukebox Man in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle.
The 77-year-old had realised a dream come true on Thursday when Shakem Up’Arry gave him his first Festival success. And for nearly all of the 3m race he looked like having a second with The Jukebox Man out in the front of the field.
There he stayed as the six-year-old cleared the last hurdle holding a clear advantage under jockey Kielan Woods.
But the nearer he got to the winning post, the more the horse started to paddle which ultimately cost him victory as 33-1 chance Stellar Story, owned by Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary put his head in front in the final stride.
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“What a run though wasn’t it?” said Redknapp. “It was a great run. We’ve got a nice horse there.
“He looked sure to win jumping the last three or four clear. But that’s racing. Yesterday we got home, today we just missed out but I’ve had a great time, haven’t I? Two fantastic runs from two lovely horses.
“Kielan rode a blinder. Made all and led to the last stride. I’m pleased with him.”
He continued: “If you’d said to me coming here I’ve have had a winner and one that well, I’d have been delighted. I’ve had a smashing couple of days. I couldn’t have asked for anymore.”
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