Harry Redknapp shares his Cheltenham Festival acca, and delivers update on Shakem Up’arry
FOOTBALL legend turned racing enthusiast Harry Redknapp is ready to roll the dice at Cheltenham once again.
The former Spurs and West Ham boss, 78, tasted Festival success for the very first with Shakem Up’arry in the plate 12 months ago.
And though 11YO Shakem Up’arry hasn’t had the easiest of seasons, Redknapp remains upbeat about his star’s chances of defending his crown.
“Last year, if you’d have told me I’d come away from the Festival with a winner and a second, I’d have been delighted,” he told BetVictor.
“I’d always dreamed of having a Cheltenham winner so when Shakem Up’arry won it was an amazing day for me. Then to go back the next day with no real expectations and nearly have another with The Jukebox Man was special! It was a great couple of days.
“Shakem Up’arry is a lovely a lovely horse and he’s been a great servant.
“Ben Jones has been riding him well and Ben Pauling has always done brilliantly with him. He had a fall earlier this season and was slightly disappointing at Warwick I thought, although Ben was quite happy with him.
“He went to Lambourn last weekend and apparently he worked as well as he ever has. He seems to be one of those horses that really comes alive at this time of year, so hopefully he’ll head to Cheltenham in great form.”
The ex-footie gaffer also revealed the four horses he’ll be backing for Festival glory – and it’s a list that will have bookies bracing themselves given its popularity.
“This year I think I’ll be having the accumulator that everybody will be on,” said Redknapp.
“I’ll be on Constitution Hill, Kopek Des Bordes, Jonbon and Galopin Des Champs. If I had to be greedy and go for a five-fold then I think I’d throw in Majborough to win the Arkle as well!
“Whether I win or lose, I love Cheltenham. It’s the highlight of the racing calendar for me. The atmosphere and the people there make for an amazing couple of days.”
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