Jonbon Extends Unbeaten Record in Grade 2 Feature

The exciting Jonbon (5g Walk In The Park - Star Face, by Saint Des Saints) extended his unbeaten record when landing the Grade 2 Kennel Gate Novices’ Hurdle at Ascot.

Nicky Henderson’s charge impressed on hurdle debut last month and was sent off the even-money favourite under Aidan Coleman for Friday’s feature. Leading from the early stages, the JP McManus-owned bay was shaken up from the second last and maintained a clear advantage at the final flight. Running on well on the run-in, he was eased down close home.

“He was a cool dude the whole way around,” Henderson commented after the race. “He had them off the bridle a long way out, as his cruising speed is so high. We'll enjoy today, and I'd say it'd be one run before Cheltenham.”

Jonbon had a lofty reputation when he first appeared in a sales ring, and the full-brother to Douvan (Walk In The Park) brought €140,000 from Paul Holden and Michael Shefflin as a three-year-old. He subsequently bolted up by 15 lengths in a Dromahane maiden for Ellmarie Holden, before selling to JP McManus for a record-breaking price of £570,000.