Nicky Henderson acknowledges that Jonbon might need to travel further afield after the horse, a loyal Sandown competitor, bravely lost the Betfair Tingle Creek title in a competitive race at Esher. The nine-year-old sought to be the first to win six Grade 1 races at the same British venue, drawing over 11,000 spectators who witnessed a thrilling pre-Christmas showdown involving two highly ranked horses.
As the race progressed, Jonbon maintained enthusiastic jumping and energetic movement under Nico de Boinville. However, like in April’s Celebration Chase, Willie Mullins’ favorite Ile Etite Temps, starting at 8-11 odds, proved too strong, denying Jonbon a third consecutive win. Henderson expressed pride, saying, “He had fun and walked away with his shield.” He noted Ile Etite Temps had beaten Jonbon last year, confirming that Jonbon wasn’t simply tired in April but outmatched over the two-mile distance.
Henderson suggested that age might be affecting Jonbon’s speed, which is why they added a cheekpiece. They aimed to lead throughout, but others responded, requiring Jonbon to stay honest—something the horse reliably did. Henderson explained the Schroer Chase at Cheltenham was a tougher preparation than usual, which Jonbon demonstrated capacity from today’s performance—arguably good enough to win the last two Tingle Creeks.
Though hopes for the Champion Chase diminished as Paddy Power lengthened the odds to 25-1, the pursuit of Cheltenham Festival glory might continue, with Henderson considering longer races to compensate for the diminished two-mile speed. He said Jonbon performed well, jumping, galloping, and showing strong fight, even reversing the result against Dan Skelton’s horse, Lied de Sud.
Henderson hinted at exploring further races, possibly the Ryanair Chase, as he admits he’s not currently aiming to beat Ile Etite Temps over two miles. The idea of racing two or three miles straight towards the King George seems unlikely, with contingencies like the Peterborough race in place in case of heavy ground. There’s also talk of the Ascot Chase and possible competition with multiple top horses, including some under Willie Mullins’ care.
Meanwhile, Ile Etite Temps’ dominant win may push Jonbon to seek success elsewhere. Dan Skelton, undeterred, plans to focus on his Champion Chase rematch with a refreshed Lied de Sud, who finished a respectable third in the Schroer Chase. Skelton is pleased overall and aims to keep Lied de Sud fresh for the championship chase, hoping to return him to peak form seen in earlier contests.
Skelton emphasized that Lied de Sud is a two-mile specialist and expected the tough competition from Jonbon and Ile Etite Temps. Despite the loss, the team is not surprised, recognizing Ile Etite Temps’ strong record and planning to give their best effort for Cheltenham in March.
Fan Take: This update is significant for horse racing fans because it highlights the evolving competition at the highest level, showing that even the most dedicated course veterans like Jonbon must adapt to new challenges. It also signals exciting future battles in different race distances, keeping the sport dynamic and unpredictable as top trainers and horses strategize for upcoming festivals.
