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It was ‘job done’ for Jonbon at Cheltenham on Friday, who made every yard of the running to land the honours in the 2-mile Grade 2 Shloer Chase – the feature race on the first day of the November Meeting.
Running in the silks of owner JP McManus, the eight-year-old put on a faultless jumping display from the front. Jockey Nico De Boinville asked for a short stride two-out and Jonbon responded well, staying on well for a one-and-a-half length success over Boothill. Alan King's Edwardstone faded in the final strides for third.
In an interview with ITV racing, trainer Nicky Henderson said, "I think his jumping is as good I've ever seen him, which was great. He's really enjoyed himself. I expect Nico will tell me had a good blow between the last two. We now have three weeks until the Tingle Creek. That would be the perfect prep I would say.
"It's a job done and today was a lovely race for him. It takes us on where we want to go.
"Like a lot of horses, as they get older they get further and he won over two and a half at Aintree last year which was no problem. But as JP said at the end of last season, we are a two-miler and we'll stay at two miles.
"That is right and you have got to be positive. All being well it will be the Tingle Creek and then the Clarence House – the normal route. I'd be surprised if we vary it."
Jockey De Boinville, in his post-race comments with ITV said, "I'm delighted with him. The time he was going to be vulnerable was today as ours have been needing a run.
"We didn't set off at mad fractions and I didn't want to be really aggressive on him. He was very brave at the last and kept finding all the way. I think he was pulling away at the line anyway."
"You have to be positive with him. He's a fantastic horse and I'm delighted".
Paddy Power remained unchanged at 3/1 for the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March.