Jonbon Impresses On Chase Debut

Grade 1 winning hurdler Jonbon (6g Walk In The Park - Star Face, by Saint Des Saints) made an impressive start to his chasing career at Warwick on Wednesday.

Bought by JP McManus for £570,000 after an awesome debut for Ellmarie Holden, the own-brother to Douvan (Walk In The Park) has since suffered just one defeat in six subsequent starts. Nicky Henderson’s charge was sent off favourite on his seasonal return, but faced strong competition from fellow Grade 1 winner Monmiral and Grade 3 scorer West Cork.

Ridden to make all by Aidan Coleman, success appeared imminent as he drew clear from three out and was pushed along on the run-in to score by seven lengths.

“He’s done what we hoped would happen,” a relieved Henderson said after the race. “We were having a great time over hurdles but that’s what we’ve been waiting for with this horse all along.” Looking to the future, the trainer continued, “I’ve got two and a half weeks until the Henry VIII. It’s quite tight but you couldn’t go there first time out so hopefully that takes us into that.”

Bred by Lotfi Kohli, Jonbon completed the first leg of a double on the card for Walk In The Park, with Walk Of No Shame (5m Walk In The Park - Ultimate Echo, by Gamut) later getting off the mark in the mares’ bumper.

Placed on all of her previous starts, the Jonjo O’Neill-trained bay raced in touch with the leaders and was pushed along turning for home by Jonjo O’Neill Junior. Ridden from two furlongs out, she kept on well inside the final furlong and led by two and a quarter lengths on the line.

Owned by Mrs Sharon Wilks, Walk Of No Shame was bred by William Delaney and is a half-sister to five-time winner Ultimate Getaway (Getaway).