Jonbon Wins Clarence House Chase at Ascot

Jonbon secured back-to-back victories in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot on Saturday, powering to a three-length win in the Grade One contest despite pre-race disruptions and a challenging gallop. The 10-year-old, trained by Nicky Henderson for owner JP McManus, was ridden by substitute jockey James Bowen after Harry Cobden, the intended rider, suffered a heavy fall earlier in the afternoon. The race unfolded over two miles on soft ground in front of a capacity crowd, marking Jonbon's 11th Grade One success.

The four-runner field saw Dan Skelton's Thistle Ask set a strong pace from the front, with Jonbon tracking in mid-division alongside the Willie Mullins-trained favorite Il Etait Temps. Gidleigh Park, another contender, pulled up early with six fences remaining. As the race intensified, Il Etait Temps, sent off at 2/5 and seeking a sixth consecutive win after beating Jonbon in their two prior meetings, faltered and fell at the second-last fence. The grey horse received on-course treatment but rose to his feet, drawing cheers from spectators. Jonbon rallied strongly under Bowen, edging ahead of Thistle Ask approaching the final fence to claim victory at 6/1 odds.