Ben Pauling is keen not to dwell on Gold Cup defeat with The Jukebox Man as his King George winner could potentially head for the Punchestown Gold Cup next month. The Harry Redknapp-owned son of Ask jumped boldly out in front, but weakened markedly coming up the hill.
Speaking to the Racing Post, Pauling said: “He was jumping well, but Ben said he made a little noise at the top of the hill. We’re going to get it looked at this week and see if we can get him back on track.
This comes after suffering a minor setback in the build up, despite punters only being made aware of it late on. Despite a disappointing effort, Pauling stated: “I wouldn’t rule him out of going to Ireland. If he comes out of the race perfectly well, we’ll tweak his wind if we feel we need to. I’d like to see how he gets on again. It was a shame it didn’t work out, but he came home safe and sound.”
“We still feel fortunate to have a horse of his calibre” – Ben Pauling
The dream wasn’t to be manifested into reality for Harry Redknapp, but Pauling still remains spirited for his star chaser. “Going into the race on Friday, he was one of the most unexposed and exciting horses on paper,” said Pauling. “He’s owned by a fabulous person in Harry, almost a national treasure, and that came with a lot of limelight.
“We honestly thought we’d come close to winning, but it didn’t work out that way. He travelled beautifully in the main and I’m very happy we tried. We still feel fortunate to have a horse of his calibre.
“Just because, in effect, he bombed out of the Gold Cup doesn’t make us any less excited about the future. It’s been one hell of a journey for Harry, we’re all looking forward to getting the horse back on track.”
The blow to The Jukebox Man was perhaps softened earlier in the week, as Meetmebythesea marked himself as a horse with a ‘bright future’ having won the Grade 2 Jack Richard Novices’ Handicap Chase. “I was delighted with that performance,” noted Pauling. “He jumped and travelled well in what looked like a competitive race. Hopefully, he’s one with some exciting options.
“He just gave himself a tiny cut on his fetlock joint in the race. He’s had to have a few staples so I’m not sure if he’ll be seen again this season. We’ll see how he is. He’s stepped up and improved on what he’s shown before.
“He’s a lovely horse with a bright future, and it was brilliant to be able to get our first one across the line at the festival for JP, who’s been such a huge part of the industry for so long.”