Overview
- Ridden by Nico de Boinville, Jonbon wore down front‑running Pic D’Orhy to take the Betfair Ascot Chase by about a length and a half.
- Nicky Henderson lauded Jonbon’s stamina after a second tough run in four weeks and indicated the intermediate trip suits best for Cheltenham.
- Paul Nicholls confirmed Pic D’Orhy will skip Cheltenham and head to Aintree, with options at two and a half or three miles.
- At Wincanton, Alexei captured the Grade 2 Kingwell Hurdle and was shortened to 20-1 for the Champion Hurdle.
- Betting firms left Jonbon around 4-1 for the Ryanair as remaining trials, including Haydock’s Grand National Trial where Myretown features, continue to shape Festival plans.