Harry Redknapp, a successful football manager, is seeking to replicate his on-field success in the world of horse racing by targeting another tilt at Cheltenham glory with his contender Taurus Bay. The five-year-old gelding, who has already impressed as a recent King George VI Chase winner, could make his mark in the Grade Two AIS Novice Hurdle on Trials Day.
Owner Redknapp hopes that Taurus Bay can emerge from this contest and challenge for the top spot in the market leaders for the Turners Novice Hurdle. Trainer Ben Pauling, who purchased the horse at Cheltenham's February sale in 2025, believes that Taurus Bay has all the makings of a champion.
"Taurus Bay is very smart," Pauling said. "But we're going from two miles to two and a half miles on what will be very testing ground and hopefully he'll stay." Pauling noted that his horse is well-prepared and in good order, but it remains to be seen whether Taurus Bay has the stamina to compete with some of the better horses in this field.
Taurus Bay faces stiff competition from Act Of Innocence, who is currently the marginal favourite for the contest. Another contender, Sir Gino, made a strong debut over fences at Kempton's Christmas meeting but has since reverted back to hurdles after concerns about his jumping ability.
The first meeting between Taurus Bay and The New Lion will be an exciting highlight of Trials Day, with both horses having a strong case for winning their respective events. Meanwhile, Redknapp is hoping that another big-race contender emerges in his colours, adding to the strength and depth of his stable.
Owner Redknapp hopes that Taurus Bay can emerge from this contest and challenge for the top spot in the market leaders for the Turners Novice Hurdle. Trainer Ben Pauling, who purchased the horse at Cheltenham's February sale in 2025, believes that Taurus Bay has all the makings of a champion.
"Taurus Bay is very smart," Pauling said. "But we're going from two miles to two and a half miles on what will be very testing ground and hopefully he'll stay." Pauling noted that his horse is well-prepared and in good order, but it remains to be seen whether Taurus Bay has the stamina to compete with some of the better horses in this field.
Taurus Bay faces stiff competition from Act Of Innocence, who is currently the marginal favourite for the contest. Another contender, Sir Gino, made a strong debut over fences at Kempton's Christmas meeting but has since reverted back to hurdles after concerns about his jumping ability.
The first meeting between Taurus Bay and The New Lion will be an exciting highlight of Trials Day, with both horses having a strong case for winning their respective events. Meanwhile, Redknapp is hoping that another big-race contender emerges in his colours, adding to the strength and depth of his stable.
Taurus Bay's got some serious talent but they're gonna have to overcome some tough competition 
Act Of Innocence is looking pretty strong right now and Sir Gino's had some ups and downs in the past. I'm hoping Redknapp's stable can come out on top though, it'd be a sick win 
but at the same time, we shouldn't put too much pressure on them too early 
they've still got to prove themselves on Trials Day 
. Another football manager trying to make a name for himself in the racing world? It just feels like a publicity stunt to me. I mean, what's next? A cricket team trying to win Wimbledon? 
he's like a footballing version of ryan gosling from la la land - all charm and charisma 
i'm rooting for taurus bay, tho! ben pauling seems like a legit trainer, btw 
his horse's got the makings of a champion, but we'll see how it stacks up against those other contenders 
- it's like politics, you've got your challenger (Taurus Bay) trying to take down the incumbent (Act Of Innocence), while the trainer (Ben Pauling) is trying to convince us that they're not just some flash in the pan. Meanwhile, Harry Redknapp is hoping to build a strong stable and make a name for himself outside of the football world 
. I'm also intrigued by Sir Gino's journey - it's like he's going from being a dark horse (pun intended) to trying to prove himself in a new field. The question remains, will Taurus Bay have the stamina to compete with the best?
. 2 1/2 miles is a long way to run and you gotta wonder how many horses are gonna make it through that unscathed? Taurus Bay sounds like a solid contender, but Act Of Innocence is pretty popular so it'll be interesting to see how they match up 
that guy ben pauling seems like a genius, can't wait to see what he has in store for trials day 
and if redknapp's stable is gonna have another contender, that's just the icing on the cake 
i think it's so cool how people like ben pauling are trying to replicate their success with new horses 
. But you can't ignore the bigger picture here. Is Redknapp just trying to diversify his interests or is he genuinely looking for another way to win? Either way, it'll be fun to watch him try 
he's already won the King George VI Chase and now he's gunning for the AIS Novice Hurdle on Trials Day... that's some serious momentum! 
. This new generation of trainers like Ben Pauling, they're pushing the limits, trying out different tactics and whatnot. I'm not sure if Taurus Bay's got the endurance for this two and a half mile hurdle... Act Of Innocence is looking pretty strong right now, but you never know, maybe Redknapp's got some magic up his sleeve 
. Reminds me of the old days when horse racing was all about tradition and romance... those were the days 
. Pauling's got a good team behind him, but this one's gonna be a tough nut to crack 
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. And Redknapp's hoping for another big-race contender to emerge, which would be amazing for his stable! It's going to be an exciting Trials Day, for sure 
. Act Of Innocence is looking fierce but I think Taurus Bay's got the smarts to take it down 
. Redknapp's stable is looking good this season, fingers crossed for another win!