There will be few louder cheers at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival than those which will greet Jonbon if he manages to break his festival duck at the third time of asking. Blown away by stablemate Constitution Hill in the 2022 Supreme and second-best to an inspired El Fabiolo in the 2023 Arkle, the Nicky Henderson star has frustratingly filled the runners-up position on his two visits to Prestbury Park in March.
However, as the clock ticks down towards his date with destiny in the Queen Mother Champion Chase on Day 2 of the meeting, hope is building that this may finally be his year.
The Only Thing Missing from a Glittering CV
Such is the prestige of the Cheltenham Festival that, for better or worse, the top National Hunt talent is judged by what they achieve over those four days in March. However, to suggest that Jonbon is no better than a pair of runners-up finishes in Grade 1 contests would be an immense disservice to one of the most consistently excellent two-mile chasers of the modern era.
As a full brother to the eight-time Grade 1 winning (including two at the Cheltenham Festival) superstar Douvan, Jonbon faced an uphill battle to live up to the hype and emerge from the shadow of his illustrious sibling. That he has managed to do so is a testament to his natural talent and the training skills of his master handler.
Now nine years of age, Jonbon has become a frequent visitor to the Grade 1 winners enclosure. His most recent top-tier success in the Clarence House Chase took his career Grade 1 tally to nine – one clear of the horse with whom he was compared for so long.
Aintree, Sandown, and Ascot have all fallen under his Grade 1 spell, but as yet, a top-level success at the home of the jumping game has eluded him. That stat is no doubt a little frustrating for connections, considering he has landed back-to-back editions of the Grade 2 Shloer Chase over the Champion Chase course and distance. He can win at Cheltenham, and he can win in Grade 1 company. Now, he just needs to bring the two things together. As ever, the Queen Mother Champion Chase will present a formidable challenge, but connections may be encouraged by how the final field is shaping up.
Mullins Challenge Down to One
Ahead of any Grade 1 event at the Cheltenham Festival, the yard of Willie Mullins is often the first port of call when seeking the likely winner. Two weeks ago, the Closutton maestro held four entries in the Champion Chase. That number now stands at one.
The three withdrawals are Blood Destiny, Jonbon’s old enemy, El Fabiolo, and Gaelic Warrior. The first of those runners hadn’t displayed anything like championship-level form, whilst El Fabiolo’s jumping has begun to let him down over this trip. However, despite failing to hit the heights in 2024/25, the brilliant 2024 Arkle winner Gaelic Warrior was fancied by many to give Jonbon plenty to think about.
Such is the strength in depth at the Willie Mullins yard that the withdrawal of two Cheltenham Festival winners still leaves him with a two-time Champion Chase winner in the lineup. Over eight lengths too good for the field in 2022 and 10 lengths clear in 2023, Energumene bids to join the list of three-time winners at 11 years of age.
Having finished more than six lengths clear of Energumene in the Clarence House Chase last time out, that Ascot clash would suggest Jonbon has little to fear from the talented veteran. However, it should be remembered that Energumene finished third in the 2023 Clarence House Chase before producing a jet-propelled display when it mattered most. With Mullins in his corner, the mount of Paul Townend looks like a big threat, particularly if the rain arrives.
Banbridge Goes for Gold, but Dangers Lurk Elsewhere
As a Grade 1 winner over this two-mile trip, the Joseph O’Brien-trained Banbridge looked like a legitimate threat. However, having displayed his ability to handle three miles in the King George VI Chase, he goes for the Gold Cup. King George runner-up, Il Est Francais, remains in the field, but connections appear to favour a tilt at the Ryanair Chase on Day 3. Despite those absentees, the challengers to Jonbon are not limited to Energumene, with the following trio in particular, having legitimate claims.
- Marine Nationale – 2023 Supreme Novices Hurdle hero. Yet to score in 2024/25 but suggested his turn may be near when second in the Dublin Chase last time out
- Solness – In the absence of Banbridge, this consistently underestimated frontrunner flies the Joseph O’Brien flag. Causing a 28/1 shock when claiming the Paddy Rewards Club Chase, he backed that up when mastering Marine Nationale at Leopardstown
- Captain Guinness – Henry De Bromhead star who has hit the frame in all three Cheltenham Festival appearances, including success in this race 12 months ago by one and a half lengths
Key rivals may be missing, but Jonbon still faces a field littered with talent and previous Cheltenham Festival winners. He is, nevertheless, odds on across the board to tick the final box on his superb CV.