Huge blow for Pauling and Redknapp with The Jukebox Man out of Cheltenham

Star novice chaser has been ruled out for the season after suffering injury.

Narrowly denied in the Albert Barlett Novices’ Hurdle at last year’s Cheltenham Festival, the Harry Redknapp-owned gelding has made an excellent start to his career over fences, impressing at Newbury on his debut before dominating the Grade One Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day.

Connections had been looking forward to a return to Cheltenham in March for either the Arkle Trophy or the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase, but the seven-year-old is now set for a period on the sidelines.

In a statement posted on X, trainer Ben Pauling said: “The Jukebox Man has this morning sustained an injury during routine exercise that will sadly rule him out for the rest of the season.

“At this early stage, the feedback from our veterinary team and the specialists is positive that we can look forward to seeing him return in the autumn.

“It is a huge blow for all involved and every care is being taken for one of our stable’s leading lights.

“We will update you on his recovery in due course.”