Jonbon Achieves Back-to-Back Tingle Creek Victory, Matching Kauto Star’s Feat

Jonbon secured victory in the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown, marking him as the first consecutive winner of the event in 18 years, a feat last accomplished by Kauto Star. This triumph represented the eighth Grade One level victory for the chaser, trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Nico de Boinville. Despite committing a few jumping errors, the 8-13 favourite ultimately won by a clear eight-length margin over Quilixios amidst wet and windy weather. De Boinville commented, “What a horse. It’s quite something, he really did find a lot. It’s hard work and gruelling out there.” The falls of Edwardstone and Master Chewy reduced Jonbon’s competition to three rivals, all of whom he overcame without difficulty. Following this win, Jonbon’s odds for the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March were adjusted from 7-2 to 5-2. This marked his 16th win in 19 races, pushing his total career prize money beyond £1m. Henderson described him as “a real true terrier,” also expressing hope that a leg cut sustained by the horse was not severe. Kauto Star’s two Tingle Creek Chase victories were components of a distinguished career that also featured five King George VI Chase wins. Despite strong winds attributed to Storm Darragh, racing at Sandown proceeded following two inspections, though Saturday events at Aintree, Chepstow, and Wolverhampton were cancelled. Aintree had been scheduled to host the Becher Chase, contested over the Grand National fences.