All manner of problems have been trying Nicky Henderson’s patience over the past couple of weeks, from snow and rain to a stable star that refused to race, but while he was forced to scratch Constitution Hill and Shishkin from the card here on Saturday, the ever-dependable Jonbon did at least complete his pre-Christmas schedule with a comfortable success in the Grade One Tingle Creek Chase.
With four runners going to post and the favourite priced up at 30-100, this was clearly a race that was Jonbon’s to lose and Nico de Boinville wisely kept his mount’s natural exuberance in check through the first mile and a half as Haddex Des Obeaux set a fair pace in the conditions. He was clearly going much the best on the run to the second-last, however, and eased home by two and three-quarter lengths after taking charge at the last.
