Football legend Harry Redknapp has revealed he will wear a lucky tie gifted by Celtic and West Ham icon Paolo Di Canio as he supports his horse, The Jukebox Man, in the 2026 Cheltenham Festival Gold Cup.
Redknapp, who famously brought Di Canio to West Ham from Sheffield Wednesday, where the Italian’s career had a turbulent chapter after leaving Celtic in 1997, considers the tie a good luck charm. He first wore the tie before his horse Shakem Up’Arry won at Cheltenham several years ago, and he plans to do the same this year.
At 78, Redknapp is chasing the ultimate prize in National Hunt racing. His horse The Jukebox Man recently triumphed in the prestigious King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, a victory that surpassed even his wildest dreams. Speaking to Sporting Life, Redknapp emphasized his faith in The Jukebox Man’s chances at Cheltenham.
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“I’ll wear Paolo Di Canio’s tie — he was a great player for me,” Redknapp said. “He gave me that tie the night before Cheltenham when Shakem Up’Arry won, so I’ll definitely wear it again. Winning the Gold Cup would be incredible — it’s like the World Cup of jump racing. After the King George win, I’m dreaming even bigger now.”
Redknapp admits the Cheltenham race will be highly competitive, but he wouldn’t swap The Jukebox Man for any other contender. “It’s a very open race with a lot of good horses, but I’ve got great faith in him.”
Describing his emotional connection to racing, Redknapp said, “When the race is on, I like to stand quietly and watch. It’s like managing a football match; you don’t want distractions. You hold your breath at every jump because you care deeply for the horses. Some may say it’s a cruel sport, but these horses are bred to race and jump — they love it as much as we do. What matters most is that they come back safe and sound.”