Jonbon Digs Deep in Ascot Chase Thriller

Hi all,

On Valentine’s Day the sun finally came out. Gone were the grey, gloomy skies, replaced by clear blue ones. It was most welcome given the weather we’ve endured so far in 2026. However, clear skies at this time of year also bring the risk of frost.

Haydock experienced a much harsher frost than anticipated on Friday night into Saturday morning. The track had to pass three inspections before racing could go ahead. Thankfully, the 11am check gave the green light and the Grand National Trial card survived. There were no such concerns at Ascot or Warwick.

It promised to be an informative Saturday of racing and I think it delivered.

Inside today’s main piece, you can read my thoughts Saturday’s action.

Ascot

Highly regarded by trainer Ben Pauling, Mondoui'boy made it 2 from 2 over hurdles with a comfortable success in the opening novice (2m3½f). He won’t be heading to Cheltenham; instead, connections will wait for Aintree and step him up in trip and class for the Grade 1 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (3m½f). He's a really good horse and I hope connections swerve Cheltenham and go for the Aintree race.

His win was the first leg of a treble for Pauling.

The second of the Pauling winners came in the Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase (3m). With ante-post favourite Thomas Mor a non-runner, The Jukebox Kid was sent off 9/4 favourite and won like an odds-on shot. He jumped fluently out in front and, while this may not have been the strongest Grade 2, there was plenty to like about the manner of victory. Now 3 from 4 over fences, the Irish Grand National could be his end of season target for this up-and-coming chaser.

The two handicaps on ITV Racing went to previous course winners Fiercely Proud and Montregard.

Fiercely Proud bounced back to form for the step up to 2m3½f in the Betfair Exchange Handicap Hurdle. He remains unexposed at the trip but given his overall profile I wouldn’t expect a follow-up next time.

Montregard, a C&D winner, had finished runner-up to The Jukebox Kid last time and paid a handsome compliment to him here. He clearly thrives at Ascot.

Jonbon Crowned King of Ascot

On paper it looked a match between Jonbon and Pic D'orhy and that’s exactly what we got. Big races don’t always live up to expectations, but this one certainly did.

I had no financial interest, but sometimes that doesn’t matter when you’re watching a race of this quality.

Pic D'orhy, seeking a hat-trick in the Ascot Chase, went forward with Jonbon tracking in second. There were moments when each looked to be travelling and jumping better than the other. Jonbon just held the edge at the last, but Pic D'orhy rallied on the run-in, forcing Jonbon to dig deep in a pulsating finish.

It was the winner’s stamina that proved decisive as he pulled away close home. He needed every yard of the 2m5f and he would even stay a sharp three miles at say Kempton.

Jonbon will likely have had a hard race, so his participation at Cheltenham must be in some doubt. Aintree, in pursuit of a thirteenth Grade 1, looks the more likely route.

Haydock

It was an enjoyable afternoon at Haydock.

Manlaga quickened to catch long-time leader Pourquoi Pas Papa at the last before stretching away in the Listed Victor Ludorum Juvenile Hurdle. She holds a Triumph Hurdle entry, but the Fred Winter looks a more realistic target. She’s a filly with a future.

With Kabral Du Mathan absent due to the ground, the Rendlesham Hurdle fell to Lud'or. This was not a strong Grade 2 and the form isn’t high class, but it was excellent placement by trainer Tom Symonds who will have been pleased that the meeting got the go ahead.

Dalston Lad made it 3 from 3 since cheekpieces were fitted when winning the Grade 2 Prestige Novices’ Hurdle. Always prominent, he went clear approaching two out and never looked in danger. He’s improving rapidly and relishes soft ground. He’s another for whom Aintree looks more likely than Cheltenham.

Runner-up Ubatuba wasn’t ideally positioned but closed to within four lengths at the line. He stays strongly and would benefit from a more strongly run race. He heads to Cheltenham for the Albert Bartlett.

It’s a Grand National

After Grand Geste ran poorly in the Great Yorkshire Chase at Doncaster, I wrote:

“You simply must forgive him as he was clearly amiss.”

Back at Haydock he returned to form, outstaying his rivals to land the William Hill Half A Mill Grand National Trial Handicap Chase. He proved his stamina for 3m4½f and should stay even further. The National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham could be next and, given his sound jumping, he would have strong claims if getting his favoured soft ground.

This year’s Grand National will come to early for him but he looks a future Aintree Grand National runner.

Did I back him? No. I paid too much attention to the yard’s recent form. It happens. Hopefully some readers kept the faith.

Given subscribers and I were on Fiercely Proud at 12/1, it was still a profitable Saturday so no damage done.

Top Of The Bill ran well under top weight in second but was no match for an improving young stayer. Neo King kept on dourly for third and remains in form. He remains feasibly weighted for a marathon handicap chase.

Git Maker stayed on into fifth and shapes as he needs a return to four miles. Grand Albert plugged on for sixth; he proved his stamina but wasn’t quite good enough.

Myretown was sent off 3/1 favourite. He jumped well enough in front but faded rapidly two out before pulling up. Something isn’t right. Last season’s commanding Ultima win is already fading into memory. The Grand National dream is over and even a repeat Ultima success looks a long way off. Hopefully he won’t go the way of stablemate Ahoy Senor, who seems to have struggled with physical issues and lost his interest in racing.

Wincanton

It was all about Alexei at Wincanton as he put his Champion Hurdle credentials on the line in the Grade 2 Kingwell Hurdle. It was workmanlike rather than spectacular as he scrambled home to beat Rubaud.

He travelled into contention approaching the last but wandered once in front before asserting close home. I’m not convinced he enjoyed the testing ground. If he heads to the Champion Hurdle, some headgear might also be considered.

It’s an open year, so connections may as well roll the dice especially as he goes well at Cheltenham and would prefer better ground. His 20/1 odds look about right.

The other highlight on the card was Venetia Williams coming off the cold list with a double. Perhaps February will become the new November for the trainer.

Monday Racing

Carlisle

3:35 – He's Bresilian ran to form and posted a personal best on RPR’s when a 1¾ second at Ayr last month. Nudged up 2lb since by he’s consistent and should be thereabouts.

4:05 – Largy Train made it 4 from 10 over fences when winning at Sedgefield 22 days ago. He’s up 4lb but Charlie Maggs can claim his 5lb here and this previous C&D winner and looks set for another big run.

Fairyhouse

3:20 – One Horse Army has struggled on three hurdle starts this season (well backed on his last two starts) but did win a soft ground handicap chase over C&D last January from 7lb higher and a return to fences could see the 9yo back to form.

Aine's Lad got off the mark at the twelfth attempt over hurdles when winning a Thurles handicap 11 days ago. Today’s 3m2f trip could eke out more improvement in the 7yo and could have been let in lightly on chase debut.

Duce Bigalow seemed to improve for the step up to 3m when a 6 length second of 12 at Navan last month. Up further in distance here but Michael Kenneally takes off a useful 5lb and if stays won’t be far away.

Good luck if you’re getting involved on Monday.

John