Let us rewind to the 2022 Festival…
The Supreme Novice’s and the apparent coin toss between Nicky Henderson’s charges. Consitution Hill came out on top convincingly that day. The 22 lengths between them was enough to see Consitution Hill hailed as the second coming of Istabraq, and Jonbon was cast to the proverbial shadows.Â
Jonbon, seemingly is destined to fly slightly under that class of ‘greatest’ hall of fame type horses. He just doesn’t get the love, the respect or the admiration a horse of his consistent brilliance deserves. Despite having only lost once over hurdles (yes, that Supreme). Also despite having a record over fences of ten wins from twelve starts. If any other Chaser had such a record as an eight-year old we’d be waxing lyrical about him. The great Sprinter Sacre, held in such high regard by racing fans had a record of fourteen wins from eighteen starts over fences. Jonbon is well on his way to equalling that record and some.
The funny thing is…
that Constitution Hill is still the headline at Seven Barrows, even though he hasn’t been seen on a racecourse since Boxing Day last year. Well, technically he has been seen on a racecourse, but not in an actual race. His below par gallop at Newbury in November (where he struggled to stay upsides subsequent Fighting Fifth winner Sir Gino) set tongues wagging that the unbeaten hurdler was somehow undercooked. He was subsequently pulled from the race and Horse Racing Twitter went into meltdown.Â
Jonbon, meanwhile is quietly going about his work. He reversed the form with El Fabiolo the last time they met, and if he had been there, would surely have added a Champion Chase to his resume at this year’s Festival when his long-time foe got pulled up after a couple of fences.
So…
I say to our readers, let us forget about the hurdler, the one who is yet to tackle a fence, the one who is off sick, and instead rejoice in Jonbon the magnificent. There is nothing near his class in this Tingle Creek field. If Jonbon stays upright he wins, it is as simple as that.Â
The other good thing on Saturday is that in the wake of Jonbon winning the big race, ITV presenter Matt Chapman will ask Nicky Henderson about Consitution Hill. If only you could get a double on that, you’d be laughing.