On a day marked by fierce winds and testing ground conditions, the steeplechasing world witnessed an extraordinary performance as Jonbon secured his place among the greats of two-mile chasing with a commanding victory in the Tingle Creek Chase. This triumph marked his second consecutive win in the prestigious Grade One event, solidifying his reputation as one of the finest two-milers of the era.
Jonbon’s journey to victory was not without its challenges. A slight misstep at the second fence momentarily raised concern, but the eight-year-old quickly regained his rhythm, delivering a polished display over the remaining obstacles. His performance at the trio of Railway fences, in particular, showcased his agility and precision, setting the stage for a dominant stretch run. Surging clear between the final two fences, Jonbon crossed the finish line with an emphatic eight-length margin over Quilixios, a former Cheltenham Festival winner.
This victory elevates Jonbon to an elite group of dual Tingle Creek winners, joining legends such as Moscow Flyer, Kauto Star, and Master Minded. Only Flagship Uberalles, a three-time winner of the race, stands above him in the annals of Tingle Creek history. At just eight years old, Jonbon’s achievements suggest the promise of even greater accolades in the future.
The win also cements Jonbon’s position as the favorite for the upcoming Champion Chase at Cheltenham. With odds of 11-4, he represents a rare British-trained frontrunner in the betting markets for a Grade One event at the festival. While Irish contender Energumene, a former Champion Chase winner, remains a potential challenger, Jonbon’s current form and career record of 16 wins from 19 starts make him the standard-bearer for British jumping.
Jonbon’s perfect five-for-five record at Sandown underscores his affinity for the course, and his trainer noted his tenacious spirit. Despite a moment of hesitation at the second fence, Jonbon displayed the determination and class that define champions. His trainer joked about the horse imagining a “crocodile” in the ditch but emphasized Jonbon’s readiness for a challenge. He described the gelding as a “true terrier,” combining grit with an undeniable touch of class.
Looking ahead, plans for Jonbon include a run in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot in January. This could set the stage for a much-anticipated clash with Ireland’s best, further testing Jonbon’s mettle on the road to Cheltenham. The connections are confident that Jonbon is operating at the peak of his powers, drawing comparisons to some of the yard’s most celebrated two-mile chasers.
On the same card, another rising star emerged in the form of L’Eau Du Sud, who claimed the Henry VIII Novice Chase in fine style. Remaining unbeaten over fences, L’Eau Du Sud demonstrated resilience and adaptability on testing ground. While his jumping was untidy at the final two obstacles, the performance highlighted his fighting spirit, a trait shared by the very best in the sport. Currently second-favorite for the Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham, L’Eau Du Sud’s progression will be closely watched.
The day’s racing served as a reminder of the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of jump racing. The challenging conditions tested both horse and rider, but the cream rose to the top, as evidenced by the impressive performances of Jonbon and L’Eau Du Sud. For British racing, Jonbon’s continued excellence provides a beacon of hope in the face of fierce competition from Ireland, and his journey to Cheltenham will be followed with great anticipation.
