The Jukebox Man brilliant for Harry Redknapp at Haydock

Harry Redknapp’s The Jukebox Man found the scoresheet on his eagerly-awaited comeback, setting up a tilt at the King George VI Chase by romping to victory in the Betfair Exchange Graduation Chase at Haydock.

Trained by Ben Pauling, the seven-year-old had been off the track since scooping Grade One honours in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton last Christmas, and his team have always seen a return to the Sunbury track to tackle their Boxing Day feature as The Jukebox Man’s ‘cup final’.

The 8-11 favourite for a race won by the likes of Grey Dawning, Bravemansgame and Clan Des Obeaux in the past, he was given an ultra-positive ride by Ben Jones, as the duo never missed a beat to serve a reminder of his undoubted potential.

Showing a real change of gear between the last two fences, The Jukebox Man came home two and a half lengths clear of Grand National fourth Iroko to secure his Kempton ticket, with Paddy Power going 8-1 for the King George and Coral even shorter at 6s.