Cheltenham Festival runner-up The Jukebox Man had a successful debut in his chase career for owner Harry Redknapp at the Coral John Francome Novices’ Chase in Newbury.
After witnessing Shakem Up'arry secure a win in the prestigious meeting the day before, the well-liked former football manager seemed poised to achieve a notable Festival double in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle on Gold Cup day in March, but The Jukebox Man was narrowly defeated by Stellar Story at the finish line.
The six-year-old was immediately placed in Grade Two competition for his chase debut by trainer Ben Pauling and started as one of the 9-4 joint-favorites, alongside Captain Teague, who was aiming for a third consecutive win on the card for trainer Paul Nicholls.