Walk In The Park’s Jonbon Retains Tingle Creek Crown

Saturday saw Jonbon (8g Walk In The Park – Star Face, by Saint Des Saints) land back-to-back runnings of the Tingle Creek Chase, marking an eighth Grade 1 success for Nicky Henderson’s charge.

The JP McManus-owned bay made a winning return to action in the Grade 2 Schloer Chase last month and was sent off favourite to follow up under Nico de Boinville. Racing prominently from the off, he boasted a clear advantage by the second last and was ridden out on the run-in to score by eight lengths. Irish raider Quilixios (Maxios) finished best of the remainder.

“He was up for a battle today,” Henderson said after the race. “He’s a very classy terrier because he just loves the scrap.”

Now a 16-time winner from 19 starts, Jonbon becomes the first horse since Kauto Star to land back-to-back runnings of the race. Bred by Lotfi Kohli, the own-brother to gained his maiden victory for Ellmarie Holden. He subsequently sold for £570,000.

Sa Fureur (7g Walk In The Park – Furie, by Balleroy) completed the first leg of a black-type double on the day for Walk In The Park when justifying favouritism in the Listed Foxrock Handicap Chase at Navan.

Racing in touch under Sam Ewing, Gordon Elliott’s charge produced a challenge after the third last and improved to lead at the final fence. Ridden out on the run-in, he ran on well to score by three and three quarter lengths.

It marked a second black-type win for the Bective Stud-owned gelding, who previously won a Grade 3 novice hurdle. The son of Walk In The Park was bred by the Honourable Mrs VMA Tower.