Jukebox hits all the right notes
Thu 20 Feb 2025
Winner 9 of 2025: JUKEBOX FURY, trained by Nicky Henderson OBE and ridden by James Bowen. ‘Virgin Bet Daily Price Boosts Handicap Hurdle’ over 3m ½ f at Doncaster.
After some concern in the morning, the race day, which had been moved from Sedgefield to Doncaster could be abandoned due to sub-zero temperatures overnight, we received the good news after the second inspection mid-morning that racing would go ahead. Only his second attempt in handicap company, and fifth start overall, he looked revved in the paddock with his coat gleaming in the sunshine before the race. James kept our son of Jukebox Jury in a lovely rhythm at the front end, making good use of the galloping nature of the track – very much dictating the race. After a fantastic round of jumping from Jukebox Fury, the eventual runner-up started to make his challenge from mid-field, and it looked like a smooth victory for the favourite, but Jukebox Fury had other ideas and found plenty under pressure to get on top again after a huge leap over the last to win convincingly by ½ length. A brilliant display from our gelding and a great ride from James Bowen.
Watch the full race replay here: https://www.attheraces.com/racecard/Doncaster/19-February-2025/1520
Timeform rated his maiden victory with a 98, saying: "Back under less testing conditions, was suited by the step up to 3m and showed improved form to get off the mark, despite still looking far from the finished article on his return from 9 weeks off; disputed lead second, hung right circuit out, jumped on sixth, headed approaching 3 out, rallying when lost momentum 2 out, led again before last, ran green, joined there, found extra; doesn't do anything quickly - rather like his half-brother Don Poli - and is sure to stay even further."
A delighted Tom Palin (Syndicate Manager) after the race:
"Well done everyone! A fantastic day at Doncaster seeing your horse get his head in front and reward everyone who’s kept the faith in him and reward your patience. James popped him out with purpose and he responded very well to that. He was on it, going forward with the bridle and jumping efficiently and slickly, something that he continued to do for the next two and half miles upon entering the straight. As James suggested in his review, whilst he was just having to work with him he hadn’t by any means gone for kitchen sink and he was more just keeping him up to his task before a very bold jump at the last left him with half a furlong to show a determined, never say die attitude to regain the lead from a horse he was giving 21 pounds too. If James is right, there could well be more to come over the bigger obstacles, as you would like to think that the penny has dropped with him and hopefully we can enjoy some more days like we did yesterday with him. Well done again!"
Finde the offical photos from the day here: http://https://www.nigelkirbyphotography.com/Horse-Racing/Doncaster-Racecourse/Meetings-2025/Doncaster-Wed-19-Feb-2025/Race-3