Clarence House Chase: Jonbon lands stunning Ascot crown under James Bowen after Il Etait Temps falls | Race News

Jonbon was unstoppable as he overcame pre-race drama to claim a famous victory in the BetMGM Clarence House Chase at Ascot.

Nicky Henderson’s star racer was due to be joined for the first time by owner JP McManus who will soon be retained by Harry Cobden, but a fall in the previous race saw him miss out dramatically and it was James Bowen who was called up as a replacement.

Dan Skelton’s surprise purchase, Thistle Ask, was successful, with the Irish raider and 2-5 favorite Il Etait Temps bringing up the rear as Jonbon moved through the stage.

It was Jonbon and Thistle Ask that counted in the business end, with Il Etait Temps suffering from what looked like exhaustion, and Jonbon fought back to win by three lengths at 6-1 from Thistle Ask.

Jonbon received a standing ovation when he returned to the winner’s enclosure and there was much cheering, as the Willie Mullins-trained Il Etait Temps rose after being handled in school.

Il Etait Temps has looked good twice for defending Clarence House champion Jonbon, in the Celebration Chase and Tingle Creek Chase, and Henderson admitted he feared Jonbon’s career record of not finishing in the first two was in jeopardy.

“Dear old Jonbon, he’s so important, so special. Stamina kicked in and that helped him, he stays, we know he stays,” said Henderson, who faces an anxious wait to prepare Jonbon before confirming Cobden won’t be able to ride.

“I was afraid he was going to lose his record, let alone win. He should be proud of that record, but I thought it was going to be taken. I know JP just loves him and you can see why.

“Unfortunate for Harry, but good for James, I have to say that, they met at Cheltenham. [when second in this race] two years ago and it didn’t work out.

“We always put him in the stable, I think it was the first time I put him in a seat in about five years, since he’s been racing, because we don’t keep him up here.

“It was the last gallop, it seemed to test them all. James thought he had been hit three times, but he kept going.

“Maybe he doesn’t change gears, he was a fast horse and now he’s not as fast as him, but the stamina kicks in. He has older legs than the others, but he’s brave.”

Thoughts now turn to the Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival where Jonbon is yet to win, despite what has already been a decorated CV with 11 Grade Ones.

“That’s about to be caught, isn’t it?” Henderson said.

“I think he’s been unlucky every time he’s been to Cheltenham, he’s won twice there, he’s won Shloer twice – I agree, but that was the first time this year.

“He deserves to run at Cheltenham, I would like to keep trying him but things are not going well.”