As anticipation builds for the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase at this year’s Cheltenham Festival, all eyes are on Nicky Henderson’s star chaser, Jonbon.
The nine-year-old gelding is set to face seven formidable rivals in his quest to secure a maiden Cheltenham Festival victory in Wednesday’s feature race.
Jonbon has been the standout two-mile chaser in Britain and Ireland this season, yet a Cheltenham Festival triumph has so far eluded him.
While it’s not accurate to say that the course has been his undoing, success on the grandest stage has remained elusive. He has already claimed two wins over fences at Cheltenham, which bodes well for his challenge in the Queen Mother Champion Chase, but March has twice seen him finish as runner-up.
Jonbon’s Cheltenham history has been bittersweet. His first near miss came in the 2022 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, where he had to settle for second behind the unstoppable Constitution Hill, who set a course record and has gone on to dominate the division.
A year later, Jonbon was again a runner-up, this time behind El Fabiolo in the Arkle Challenge Trophy – a horse at the peak of his powers at the time, although El Fabiolo has since faltered.
Jonbon’s only other defeat at Cheltenham came outside of the Festival when he was narrowly beaten in the re-routed Clarence House Chase in January 2024. An awkward jump at the fourth-last nearly unseated jockey James Bowen, yet Jonbon showed true grit to rally back, going down by just a neck to Elixir De Nutz in a gutsy performance.
However, Jonbon’s form this season has been nothing short of flawless. After missing last year’s Festival due to issues at Henderson’s Seven Barrows yard, Jonbon bounced back strongly.
He began the season with a commanding victory in the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham before securing another victory in the Tingle Creek at Sandown. His most recent win in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot, where he defeated two-time Champion Chase winner Energumene, further solidified his credentials.
Trainer Nicky Henderson, who has watched Jonbon mature into a more seasoned performer, remains confident in his star’s chances.
Reflecting on the horse’s development, Henderson shared the following exclusively with Unibet: “He seems to be the finished article nowadays and looks easier to manoeuvre. He’s very sensible in his races, and he’s quite simple.
“I suppose a few years ago, you had to handle him with kid gloves as anything would upset him, while away days and things were a trauma to him and us.
“He’d just sweat a lot. He’s got a lot better. We have our own little ways of getting around these things nowadays, with earplugs as a way to keep a lid on it.”
Henderson also addressed the persistent concerns about Jonbon’s Cheltenham form, stating: “Some people are saying he doesn’t like Cheltenham, but I can’t believe it’s the track, as he has won here before.”
Jonbon’s primary competition in the Queen Mother Champion Chase includes last year’s winner, Captain Guinness, as well as notable rivals such as Energumene and Marine Nationale. Despite the strong field, Jonbon’s impeccable form this season has made him the hot favourite to land the coveted victory.
Jockey Nico de Boinville, who has partnered with Jonbon in numerous victories, including the recent Clarence House Chase, will once again be in the saddle. De Boinville’s deep rapport with Jonbon, along with his proven skill, adds further confidence to the horse’s chances.
While Jonbon has yet to claim a Festival victory, his remarkable form this season has left many eager to see if he can finally overcome his Cheltenham ‘hoodoo’. With Henderson’s expert guidance and Jonbon’s newfound maturity, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter.
