Jonbon broke the heart of Pic D’Orhy on Valentine’s Day to win a thrilling Ascot Chase and clinch a 12th Grade One victory.
The Nicky Henderson-trained Jonbon was pushed all the way by 2024 and 2025 winner Pic D’Orhy, with the pair jumping the final flight together.
Harry Cobden looked capable of driving 5-2 chance Pic D’Orhy to a third consecutive victory, but Nico de Boinville pulled out all the stops on the 4-9 favourite to win by a length and a half.
Only two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Kauto Star (16) has more Grade One victories than Jonbon over fences.
“You have got to be very brave to do what he did today because it was only four weeks ago that he was in another big battle here [in winning the Clarence House Chase],” said Henderson.
“You would like to think that he could win one [at next month’s Cheltenham Festival] because he deserves one, doesn’t he?”
Jonbon and Pic D’Orhy were a class apart in the six-strong field, with Blow Your Wad (33-1) coming home 14 lengths back in third.
Pic D’Orhy’s trainer Paul Nicholls said he was thrilled with the performance, calling it “one of his best ever races” despite the result.
Meanwhile, Grand Geste produced a strong late run to win the Grand National Trial Handicap Chase at Haydock.
Jockey Danny McMenamin held back the Sue Smith-trained grey until the closing stages, hitting the front after the final fence before going on to win by just under two lengths at 13-2.
Victory comes with a potential £500,000 bonus should Grand Geste go on to win this year’s Grand National at Aintree.
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