Jonbon takes back-to-back Clarence House Chase wins

As favourite Il Etait Temps fell at the second-to-last fence, Jonbon claimed back-to-back victories in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot.

After intended rider Harry Cobden had to be evaluated for injury following a previous race, James Bowen took Jonbon’s saddle before the start.

As the pair crossed the finish line, Jonbon was able to avoid Thistle Ask in a four-horse field.

Nicky Henderson, Jonbon’s trainer, acknowledged that he did not anticipate the 10-year-old to win the Grade One two-mile race as they approached the final stretch, but that he believed his determination helped him.

He said, “I came in here thinking his record of never leaving the first two was seriously in danger.” That was a real concern to me.

He was fantastic. That was a complete jerk. They all appeared to be tested. He continued even though I believed he had been defeated three times.

He ran very quickly, he said. He now accelerates more quickly than he did before, but his stamina builds. He jumps, but he has older legs and is brave.

You must be proud of him, he says. That boy had to step up and do that, a brave man.

When asked if Jonbon would now be a Cheltenham Champion Chase contender, he was unsure.

Although “I’d love to be trying him over further distances,” Henderson said, “But things always go wrong [when I have].”

Gidleigh Park made it with six fences to go when Il Etait Temps fell behind.