The Jukebox Man makes emphatic seasonal bow as Chris Gordon enjoys 462-1 treble on 'best ever' day

A huge buzz reverberated around the winner's enclosure after The Jukebox Man passed his audition for next month's Ladbrokes King George VI Chase to the delight of trainer Ben Pauling and owner Harry Redknapp.

Returning to action for the first time since winning the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices' Chase last December, The Jukebox Man was quickly into his stride and travelled and jumped with aplomb to win the 2m5½f graduation chase by two and a half lengths from Iroko under Ben Jones.

All roads lead to Kempton on Boxing Day for The Jukebox Man, who suffered an injury on the gallops in January, with his King George odds cut by Paddy Power to 8-1 (from 12) initially before going down to 9-2.

"That was brilliant," said Pauling. "Ben said he was a bit raspy in his wind after the line because he needed it that much. He's got this amazing way of attacking fences – short or long, he's quick and he's in and out. 

"It was really good and he'll come on a bundle for it and, all being well, it sets us up perfectly for a few weeks' time. This horse is made for Kempton – he's got speed, stamina and jumps for fun. 

"I'm so relieved to see that. It's huge for me and great for Harry to have a fabulous horse as he's been such an ambassador for the sport."

Harry Redknapp (left) and Ben Pauling debrief Ben Jones after The Jukebox Man's victoryCredit: John Grossick

Former Premier League manager Redknapp, who teamed up with Pauling for Cheltenham Festival success with Shakem Up'arry, is relishing the return to Kempton for the big one.

"It was nerve-racking but he was travelling so well," he said. "He'll come on a ton for it as well, which is absolutely fantastic. He's a lovely horse and I'm very lucky to have him. I love racing and it's great to have a good horse." 

Gordons fire in stunning treble

Chris Gordon revelled in the best day of his training career by dominating the Betfair Chase undercard with a 462-1 treble – all three ridden by his son Freddie.

Electric Mason got up close home in the £100,000 Betfair Stayers' Handicap Hurdle to follow up victories with Diamond Hunter in the Grade 2 Newton Novices' Hurdle and David's Well in the 2m½f handicap chase.

"It's a very special day; it would have to be my best ever," said the Winchester-based trainer. "It's a real red-letter day and I'd like to thank all my team at home."

Not only was Electric Mason's victory the icing on the cake on a memorable day, but it was also a landmark winner for Freddie Gordon as he rode out his claim.

"It's very special having your son riding and he's riding great," Gordon said. "He's come to the end of his 3lb claim, but he's used it on the right days."

Thumbs up from Freddie and Chris Gordon Credit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

With three winners and a second from four runners on the card, it was a successful return to the track for the Gordons after they teamed up to win the Swinton Hurdle with Our Champ on their last visit here in May. 

"It's a long way for us to come, but it's becoming quite a lucky track for us," the trainer added.

Kabral shows his potential

Handicaps appear to be a thing of the past for Kabral Du Mathan, who powered away to a 12-length victory in the 2m3f hurdle to ignite ambitions at the Cheltenham Festival.

After the impressive victory, the five-year-old's new trainer Dan Skelton said: "We're lucky to have inherited him in such good shape and hopefully he's a horse who can continue to progress as he goes up in trip. 

"I think he'll go to the Relkeel and if he did well in that he'd go straight to Cheltenham. I think he's a potential Stayers' Hurdle horse."

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