Setback rules The Jukebox Man out of first half of jumps season

Ben Pauling and Harry Redknapp’s King George VI Chase winner The Jukebox Man has been ruled out of the first half of the National Hunt season after picking up an injury.

The eight-year-old came out on top in a thrilling four-way finish at Kempton on Boxing Day last year, sparking jubilant scenes from both Pauling and the horse’s owner, the former Premier League manager more used to spending the day after Christmas in the dugout.

He would go one to finish well held following an interrupted build-up to the Cheltenham Gold Cup, but was poised to play his part once again in the major staying chases in the coming months.

An update on Pauling’s X account said: “The Jukebox Man has picked up a knock which frustratingly rules him out for the first half of the season. Both myself and Harry are understandably very disappointed but relieved it is not career ending.

“He will receive the best possible care during his rehabilitation and we look forward to his return in due course.”

The Jukebox Man has won seven of his 12 career starts to date, with a previous injury occurring after his maiden Grade One triumph during his novice chase season, ruling him out of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival.