Jonbon Secures 12th Grade One Win in Ascot Chase
Jonbon (right), boasting 12 Grade One victories and over £1.6 million in prize earnings, delivered a thrilling performance on Valentine's Day by defeating Pic D'Orhy in the Ascot Chase.
Trained by Nicky Henderson, Jonbon faced strong competition from Pic D'Orhy, the winner of the 2024 and 2025 editions of the race. The two horses jumped the final flight neck and neck in a gripping finish.
Harry Cobden, riding the 5-2 contender Pic D'Orhy, appeared poised to secure a third consecutive Ascot Chase victory. However, Nico de Boinville, aboard the 4-9 favourite Jonbon, executed a determined effort to win by one and a half lengths.
Only Kauto Star, a two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner with 16 Grade One wins over fences, surpasses Jonbon's tally of Grade One victories.
"You have got to be very brave to do what he did today because it was only four weeks ago that he was in another big battle here [in winning the Clarence House Chase]," said Henderson.
"You would like to think that he could win one [at next month's Cheltenham Festival] because he deserves one, doesn't he?"
In the six-horse field, Jonbon and Pic D'Orhy were clearly superior, with Blow Your Wad finishing third at 33-1, trailing by 14 lengths.
Paul Nicholls, trainer of Pic D'Orhy, expressed satisfaction with his horse's performance despite the loss, describing it as "one of his best ever races."
Grand Geste Wins Grand National Trial Handicap Chase at Haydock
In other racing news, Grand Geste produced a strong late surge to claim victory in the Grand National Trial Handicap Chase at Haydock.
Jockey Danny McMenamin conserved the Sue Smith-trained grey horse's energy until the final stages, taking the lead after the last fence and winning by just under two lengths at odds of 13-2.
This victory carries a potential £500,000 bonus if Grand Geste goes on to win this year's Grand National at Aintree.
Top of the Bill finished second at 22-1, followed by Neo King at 16-1 and Deafening Silence at 7-1. The heavily backed favourite Myretown, starting at 3-1, led early but was pulled up after fading significantly.
