Jonbon registers first career win at Cheltenham in the Shloer Chase

Race favourite beats Edwardstone by nine-and-a-half lengthsIberico Lord wins dramatic Greatwood Handicap Hurdle

Last month’s news that Energumene, the winner of the Champion Chase in March for the past two seasons, had suffered an injury that is likely to rule him out for the season was a bitter disappointment at the start of the winter campaign, but it has left a vacancy at the top of the two-mile chasing division and the race to fill it started here on Sunday, as Jonbon registered his first career win at Cheltenham in the Shloer Chase.

Few punters were holding Jonbon’s 0 from 2 record here against him, as his two defeats had been inflicted by exceptional rivals: Constitution Hill, in the 2022 Supreme Novice Hurdle, and El Fabiolo, in last season’s Arkle Trophy. He was sent off at 4-9 to beat his three rivals, including Edwardstone, the 2022 Arkle Trophy winner, and did not give his backers a moment’s concern, while also looking to have room for further improvement.

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