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Cheltenham Festival jockey Ben Jones has offered insight into Harry Redknapp's admirable nature ahead of the Gold Cup. The rider even recalled a touching story from an encounter with the former Tottenham and QPR manager.

Redknapp's passion for racing is well documented. This year, he will have his maiden runner in the March meeting's showpiece event, the Gold Cup, with The Jukebox Man, trained by Ben Pauling.

The horse has earned his spot in the line-up following an impressive victory in the King George at Kempton late last year and stands among the market favourites. Jones was in the saddle for that festive triumph and he'll take the reins on Friday afternoon.

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Jones, Pauling's stable jockey, has partnered several of Redknapp's horses and is familiar with the 79-year-old. Before what represents one of the most important rides of his career, Jones discussed his connection with the former Premier League manager.

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"He's just a top, top bloke," Ladbrokes ambassador Jones said. "His birthday was a few days ago. I messaged him to say, 'Happy birthday, see you next week.' He had the courtesy to message me back.

"Me to him would be no one. For him to find the time to message someone like me back is a massive thing. That's just the type of person he is. I first met him when I rode The Jukebox Man in his first-ever hurdle run in 2023. That's going back a few years. I remember that day, I was going down to Ffos Las.

"A lot of people were ringing me, saying that this horse was an absolute certainty and he was a proper horse. There was a bit of pressure beforehand. I got in the saddle with Ben [Pauling] and he just said, 'Yeah, this will win.' Harry was there and I walked out of the paddock. I was as confident as I could be. Everyone was raving about him.

"Harry was nervous and I just wanted him to run well. I don't think Harry gets enough credit for how much he actually loves horses and the racing side of it. There are a lot of big owners out there now that are just in it for a bit of success. Harry actually does it for the love of the game. It's lovely to see that he's got a good one to take him to the good tracks.

"But he'd be there at Plumpton on a Monday as well. He's not there just for the big days. He's also got a lot of respect for me. I'm delighted that he owns The Jukebox Man to give him, hopefully, his biggest ever day."

Jones has previously delivered Festival success for Redknapp. In 2024, the Welsh jockey steered Shakem Up'arry to victory in the Plate, securing both his maiden Festival triumph and Redknapp's first winner at the prestigious meeting.

"It was a bit surreal really," Jones commented on this victory. "Success hadn't come thick there. I was obviously trying to take in as much as I could. But it was a day I'll never forget. It was unbelievable. Obviously it being Harry Redknapp's horse, there was a bigger following for him. So it was a bit surreal walking back in and hearing all the crowd and whatnot.

"Even though I didn't have as much success there as other jockeys, I went out on him expecting to win. I genuinely thought he would win. So it was a brilliant feeling when I did cross the line in front.

"From a selfish point of view, I wouldn't have cared if it was Joe Bloggs from down the road's horse. But it was a bit special because of the following and all the people there when walking back in."