'What a race, what a finish' - Harry Redknapp hails 'special' King George win as The Jukebox Man prevails in incredible style - reaction

The stunning finish to the King George VI ChaseCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

That's all folks. My aunty makes a sensational turkey curry and I think I’ve more than earned it.

It’s been a privilege to bring you the action throughout the day, and it’s hard to know where to start when trying to sum it all up - all I can say is what a superb advert it’s been for the sport.

The King George will surely go down as one of the great races, while Sir Gino was outstanding on his comeback. How exciting will it be to see him again?

In Ireland, it was Gordon Elliott’s day once more as Romeo Coolio landed the Racing Post Novice Chase, while the Supreme picture shifted after Mydaddypaddy couldn’t get past Idaho Sun at Aintree and El Cairos was cut to 5-1, despite his fall.

Willie Mullins has a smart juvenile in Narcisco Has, while Elliott also added another exciting prospect to the mix with Ballyfad.

What a day. What a sport.

Do check the website, where full reports are on the way from our reporters across Britain and Ireland.

We’ll be back tomorrow for another huge day, headlined by the Welsh Grand National.

Enjoy the rest of your Boxing Day and Merry Christmas.

Gordon Elliott in between Damian Page and Dave Rabson after Romeo Coolio and Jack Kennedy's win in the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase.Credit: Patrick McCann

Romeo Coolio was the headline act in a remarkable 6781-1 six-timer across the cards for Gordon Elliott - what a season he’s having!

The big question now is Arkle or Brown Advisory? Elliott has a decision to make after Romeo Coolio had to dig deep to land the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase.

He told David Jennings at Leopardstown: "If we got soft ground on the first day of Cheltenham, you’d never know. The beauty I have with these owners is that we can leave everything as late as we can. We can enter him in everything and then see what we do."

On this gutsy winning performance, the winning trainer added: "I was hoping the line was going to be further away than it was! Jack said Kieren Buckley [on Irish Panther] was very good on his horse, he winged the second-last and got three lengths on him and we got stuck in a pocket. The horse was very gutsy, we know he stays very well and we’ll have learned a lot from today."

His price for the Arkle was pushed out to as big as 6-1 with William Hill having started the day as short as 3-1 with some firms. He is now only 11-2 (from 14) with bet365 for the Brown Advisory.

Ben Jones roared back into the winner's enclosure after the King GeorgeCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

It’s been a fantastic day for racing on the attendance front.

Yes, there was no Premier League football - but who cares? More people were through the gates for a day of racing that will live long in the memory, and you can be sure plenty will be back next year.

At Kempton, the crowd was 17,195, up 3,332 on last year. General manager Simon Durrant said: “To have more than 17,000 people through the gates, including sold-out hospitality and Premier and Paddock enclosures, is a fantastic reward for all the hard work and long days in the build-up to Christmas.

“Our message to racegoers has always been that our focus continues to be on hosting racing here, both next year and into the future, and tickets for next year’s Ladbrokes Christmas Festival at Kempton Park go on sale on Monday (December 29).”

There was even better news from Aintree, where the crowd was up by a remarkable 6,000 on last year, with attendance at the 8,000 mark.

If, for some reason, the racing hasn’t quite satisfied your sporting appetite yet, there’s a big Premier League clash this evening as Manchester United host Newcastle.

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Murat wins the Thorntons Recycling Maiden Hurdle from Doctor Du Mesnil at Leopardstown after El Cairos fell at the lastCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

We're just going to take a break from the King George and go back to Ireland for some more reaction to the Thorntons Recycling Maiden Hurdle at Leopardstown earlier today.

El Cairos looked poised to run out a hugely impressive winner of the 2m maiden hurdle Leopardstown, a race won by subsequent Cheltenham Festival winners Sir Gerhard and City Island in recent years, before stumbling after the last and unseating Jack Kennedy, leaving Murat to run out victorious.

Bookmakers reacted quickly, cutting El Cairos to 6-1 favourite for the Supreme and Elliott reported him none the worse for his mishap.

"He's 100 per cent," said Elliott. "He looked good and I'd say he's a proper horse. We'll get him home and make sure he's all okay but 'd say we'll have one more run and then the Supreme, that'd be the plan. He looks nice."

The field goes past the crowd at Kempton on the first circuitCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

By Liam Headd at Kempton

If there was ever a race that showed why everything should be done to keep Kempton going, that King George was it.

Nicky Henderson said: "You will never see a better horse race, and it's why we need Kempton. Whoever wants to knock this place down must be barking mad!"

He saddled Jango Baie who finished a close fourth on his first try over 3m, Henderson added: "He's run a terrific race and has finished strong. It was a tad quick for him, but he's got that stamina and he'll stay further all right. 

"I'd have thought we'll look at the Gold Cup. It was a tough race and it looked like they caught him a little bit flat-footed when turning in from the back straight."

Willie Mullins echoed those thoughts of Henderson, he said: "It's a great race for Kempton, and hopefully it won't be the last King George here."

On Gaelic Warrior he added: "He ran his race today. If the winning horse had been 50 yards down, he might have been in front, but we'll live to fight another day."

Sean Bowen on Banbridge (left) next to The Jukebox Man at the start of the King George VI ChaseCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

By Liam Headd at Kempton

Last year's winner, Banbridge, produced a massive performance at odds of 16-1 to finish a nose behind The Jukebox Man.

His trainer Joseph O'Brien said: "It was a fantastic run, and I'm very proud of him. It's obviously disappointing to get nabbed, but he turned up and ran his race, and I'm delighted for Ronnie and his family. Everything happened perfectly for us; he jumped great and travelled well for us, and he jumped well at the last and got beaten in a head bob. 

"This was his obvious target and it's what we've been building towards, and I'm very happy with how he turned out. I don't think we'll work back from the Gold Cup. We gave it a crack last year, but Aintree and Kempton are his tracks and it might make sense to look at them."

Ben Jones celebrates on his return to the paddockCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

As incredible as that was for The Jukebox Man, there were superb efforts in defeat from Banbridge, Gaelic Warrior and Jango Baie, who all should emerge with just as much credit as the winner.

All four have seen movement in the Cheltenham Gold Cup markets - here are the key changes (prices from Ladbrokes):

• The Jukebox Man has been slashed to 10-1 from 25-1 for the Gold Cup and is 6-1 (from 14s) for the Ryanair.
• Banbridge, who enjoyed a terrific first ride under Sean Bowen, is 20-1 from 33-1 for the Gold Cup.
• Gaelic Warrior has eased slightly to 8-1 from 6-1, with Paul Townend appearing to fumble his whip close home, which may have made all the difference.
• Jango Baie put in a monster effort on his first try at 3m and has been trimmed to 12-1 from 14s. He looks only likely to improve over the trip.
• Last year’s Gold Cup winner Inothewayurthinkin remains the 7-2 favourite, while Galopin Des Champs is unchanged at 5-1.

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: "The King George was even more dramatic than anyone could have predicted, and a sensational win for The Jukebox Man means he could well be a contender for next year's Gold Cup."

Four in a line jumping the lastCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

How about this for a picture to sum up a spectacular race!

Gaelic Warrior, The Jukebox Man, Banbridge and Jango Baie jump the last in sync!

This could be very reactionary, but that was one of the best horse races I've ever seen . . .

Please get in touch to let me know what you thought of that Christmas cracker by emailing liveblog@racingpost.com

All smiles for Ben Jones and Harry RedknappCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

It's the biggest win for Harry Redknapp as an owner, and what a way to do it!

He said: "It's a dream to have a horse that good. Just to have one to run was a great thing and I was so proud about, but to have the winner is special.

"He jumped unbelievably and then they came to him and I thought he was beaten. Suddenly he was going to finish fourth. And then he’s come again and the guts the horse has shown, it’s just amazing.

"Everyone was jumping on me but I didn't known if we'd won! What a race, what a finish and what courage he showed. What a ride from Ben Jones"

Ben Jones is delighted after winning the King George on The Jukebox ManCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

The winning jockey said: "I thought I'd won by a head and then the girls came over not too sure. I’d have looked silly if I was beat! He's always had a right engine. I'm still not 100 per cent sure we've got to the bottom of him. This is brilliant." 

This is how tight it was at the finish!

As the runners had been gathering at the start for the King George, Romeo Coolio was crossing the line to win the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase at Leoparstown.

It was more nervy than backers of the odds-on favourite would have liked, as he just got up in the final strides to deny Irish Panther.

That was an an incredible SIXTH winner of the day for Gordon Elliott, who nonetheless saw his Arkle hope's odds pushed out to 4-1 (from 10-3) with Paddy Power.

OH MY WHAT A FINISH . . . IT'S A PHOTO . . . IT'S THE JUKEBOX MAN.

IT'S LIVED UP TO THE BILLING IN EVERY WAY.

Wow - where do I even start? The field was separated by no more than four lengths as they swung into the straight.

Jango Baie was the first to be asked for an effort, with Gaelic Warrior, Banbridge and The Jukebox Man going with him as the quartet pulled clear of the front-running Il Est Francais, who did not set a fast pace.

They virtually jumped the last together. Gaelic Warrior looked to be finding on the inside, but Banbridge fought back, The Jukebox Man came again, and it went to a photo.

What a moment for Harry Redknapp, Ben Jones and Ben Pauling. Just wow.

Redknapp said: "It's a dream to have a horse that good. Just to have one to run was a great thing and I was so proud about, but to have the winner is special.

"Everyone was jumping on me but I didn't known if we'd won! What a race, what a finish and what courage he showed. What a ride from Ben Jones"  

From Kauto Star Novices’ Chase winner last year to King George hero - he’s graduated to the very top.

That was just epic, a real joy to see a star like Sir Gino return in that fashion after almost a year away.

As much as I could happily spend another hour talking about him, attention now turns to the main event: the King George.

This one has blockbuster written all over it. Magic, drama, one for the ages - get ready. Five-minute warning.

Ladbrokes: 9-4 Gaelic Warrior, 10-3 Jango Baie, Fact To File, 6-1 The Jukebox Man, 14 Djelo, Banbridge, 18 Il Est Francais, 80 Master Chewy

Sir Gino (Nico de Boinville) jumps the final flight and wins the Christmas HurdleCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

We've heard from Nicky Henderson after Sir Gino's terrific comeback.

He said: "We're all very happy. It's been a tough old year and it was pretty worrying, but everyone's just done a brilliant job. We've had a very comfortable and uninterrupted prep and there's been no recurrences of anything, and it shouldn't do.

"He was happy to be back and you wouldn't normally ride him that way as he's got so much speed. He's a very quick horse and we were a little bit surprised as he doesn't do anything like that at home.

"Let's see what the lay of the land is like, but it's just a matter of which one we go for. It's a high-class problem! As he's such a brilliant jumper.

"It'd be a shame to throw away fences, but we don't know what we're doing yet. It wouldn't be hard to see this horse in a Champion Hurdle, would it?"

We've also heard from winning connections of our previous two impressive Grade 1 winners.

The Idaho Sun team celebrate at AintreeCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Harry Fry on Idaho Sun

"He's been beaten once in his life when he was a hands and heels staying on sixth in the Champion Bumper. He learned plenty and he's progressing. I know we didn't jump the two hurdles in the straight but I love his attitude and he's a real galloper.

"He's got a seriously high-class cruising speed and this is what we dream of - Grade 1s and exciting novice hurdlers. He's won fair and square and we're looking forward to the spring when the Supreme will be the target."

Willie Mullins and Paul Townend after Kitzbuhel's win in the Kauto Star Novices' ChaseCredit: Edward Whitaker

Willie Mullins on Kitzbuhel

"I was wondering if the ground was too good for him, but he handled it very well and he jumped off it fantastically. He gallops and stays, and what more can you want in a race horse.

"Looking at that, you'd think he could easily go back to two and a half miles, but nothing is written in stone yet. You're hoping that when you're jumping like that you don't make one mistake and let the whole field back into the race. 

"We've a nice team of novice chasers, so hopefully they just stay sound. It's far too early for me to be planning anything with him, but we might look at the Dublin Racing Festival. We'll see how everything goes over Christmas before we make any plans."

Golden Ace will head to Cheltenham next to defend her Champion Hurdle titleCredit: Sportsfile via Getty Images

By James Stevens at Kempton

Straight to the Champion Hurdle with Golden Ace is the plan, says Jeremy Scott. 

She was no match for Sir Gino but ran another great race to finish second.

Scott said: “Everything was against her, with the better ground and sharp track but she ran well. Hopefully that keeps some of her doubters at bay.“That’ll be it for her now until March.”

Head over to our X account to vote on what race you would run Sir Gino in at the Cheltenham Festival.

ITV's team of pundits including Ruby Walsh, AP McCoy and Mick Fitzgerald are all sure it will be the Champion Hurdle.

Sir Gino (Nico de Boinville) jumps the final flight and wins the Christmas HurdleCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

SIR GINO IS BACK. HE STAYS UNBEATEN!

After 364 days off the track, Sir Gino returned with a bang, giving Nicky Henderson a record-extending 14th Christmas Hurdle success.

Ridden by Nico de Boinville, Sir Gino raced keenly early on but soon settled once allowed to stride on from the front.

Turning for home it was scintillating stuff, as he oozed class to breeze over the final hurdles and pull clear of Golden Ace in second and Rubaud in third.

How good was it to see him back? And the scary thing - he’s only going to improve from that.

Sir Gino is the new 6-4 favourite from 5-2 with bet365 for the Champion Hurdle, with Lossiemouth out to 100-30.