Following first day successes for the mighty Constitution Hill and the back-to-form Shishkin, another of Nicky Henderson's big guns, Jonbon strolled to victory in the opener on Randox Grand National day at Aintree Racecourse.
The seven-year-old, under Nico De Boinville, bounced back from his first defeat over fences to El Fabiolo in the Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase at last month's Cheltenham Festival to win the the Grade One EFT Systems Maghull Novices’ Chase. Having won three times before his trip to Prestbury Park at Warwick twice and Sandown, Jonbon had no answer to Willie Mullins' talented El Fabiolo over the minimum distance. But with that rival staying at home in Ireland and just three rivals lining up, the JP McManus-owned gelding – sent off the warm 1-3 favourite, resumed winning ways comfortably at Aintree. Always travelling well and jumping to perfection off the pace set Marvel De Cerisy (15-2) and Rachael Blackmore, Jonbon came through to lead midway through the race. Under Aidan Coleman he quickly put distance between himself and his rivals. And despite Calico trying to make a challenge he never got near. Jonbon jumped the last with a healthy lead as Calico took a crashing fall. Jonbon scored by a massive 43 lengths from Marvel De Cerisy.
Connections were looking at stepping up in trip after his defeat at Cheltenham but this dominant display means their options are open and he could still stay at two miles next season.
