Jonbon Adds Fifth Grade 1 To Fantastic Record

Saturday saw Jonbon (7g Walk In The Park - Star Face, by Saint Des Saints) record his fifth Grade 1 success in the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown.

Nicky Henderson’s charge impressed in the Grade 2 Schloer Chase on his seasonal return last month and was sent off favourite to follow up, despite the unsuitably heavy ground. Tracking the leader under Nico de Boinville, he was travelling well after the second last and led before the final fence. Ridden soon after, he kept on well on the run-in to win by two lengths and three quarters.

“It was always going to be tough in this ground,” Henderson said after the race. “He's an attacker and you can really let him rip at fences but that would've been dangerous in these conditions. He's jumping very well this year.”

On future plans, the trainer continued, “There's only two options for Jonbon really - the Clarence House Chase at Ascot and the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury.”

Jonbon’s impressive record now reads 13 wins and two seconds from all of his 15 starts. The brother to Douvan (Walk In The Park) was bought by JP McManus for £570,000 following his wide margin debut win for Ellmarie Holden, marking a fine return on Paul Holden and Michael Shefflin’s €140,000 store sale purchase. The son of Walk In The Park was bred by Lotfi Kholi.