Redknapp’s Gold Cup Hope Sparks Betting Surge at Cheltenham 2026
The former Tottenham Hotspur manager’s horse has seen strong support in the betting market, with its odds cut dramatically from 25-1 to 4-1 for the showpiece race.
Punters are expected to wager a record £1 billion during this week’s Cheltenham Festival, with significant attention focused on Harry Redknapp and his runner The Jukebox Man ahead of Friday’s Cheltenham Gold Cup.
The former Tottenham Hotspur manager’s horse has seen strong support in the betting market, with its odds cut dramatically from 25-1 to 4-1 for the showpiece race.
The four-day meeting begins today and is expected to draw heavy betting activity from fans across Britain and Ireland, making it one of the busiest weeks of the year for bookmakers.
Paul Binfield said Redknapp’s popularity has played a role in the surge of support behind the horse.
“While Harry Redknapp is bidding for the greatest trophy in National Hunt racing with The Jukebox Man, his former club could be chasing a Championship spot next season,” he said.
“We’ve seen his horse’s odds crash from 25-1 to 4-1, and it wouldn’t now be much more of a shock than Spurs getting relegated if Harry’s popularity convinces punters to send the horse off favourite.”
Redknapp has previously spoken about his ambition of winning jump racing’s most prestigious prize.
“I have been playing the race over in my dreams at night,” he said. “I can see him coming to the last in the lead in the Gold Cup. Please God it comes true.”
The festival will also attract a number of high-profile visitors to the famous grandstands, including Anne, Princess Royal, Zara Tindall, Danny Dyer, Gemma Collins, and former England striker Peter Crouch.
Meanwhile, Geri Halliwell is expected to attend to watch her horse Lift Me Up run in Friday’s Princess Royal National Hunt Challenge Cup.
Large groups of British racing fans are also expected to follow the action from overseas hotspots such as Benidorm, where thousands traditionally gather to watch the festival despite stormy weather forecasts for the Spanish resort.
