19 November 2023 , 18:24
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Jonbon shone in the Cheltenham gloom to spark a big race double for National Hunt legend JP McManus.
The sport's leading owner was at the home of jump racing to see his 4-9 favourite dominate the Shloer Chase. Iberico Lord then capped a fine hour for McManus, trainer Nicky Henderson and jockey Nico de Boinville.
The trio's 7-1 shot finished strongest of all to land the £100,000 Unibet Greatwood Handicap Hurdle. "It has been a good weekend and Nico has given them all some lovely rides," said Lambourn-based Henderson.
The trainer expects Jonbon, in the clear by nine and a half lengths, to improve plenty for his initial outing. But Henderson's hotpot still impressed onlookers with his comprehensive defeat of three graded performers.
Edwardstone, in charge of his 2022 Tingle Creek Chase field, was left trailing on the soft ground. Aided by some quick leaps, Jonbon never looked in any danger when he pressed on from the fourth last fence.
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He is now 5-2 with bookmakers for the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March. "He should come on for this," Henderson added, earmarking next month's Tingle Creek as a likely target.
"You have to be very pleased. He was just pricking his ears on the run in – he has had a nice time and enjoyed himself." Henderson had two chances on the home turn in the Unibet Greatwood Handicap Hurdle.
Iberico Lord picked up better than Seven Barrows teammate Luccia, a run which took him past long-time leader Lookaway for a two and a half length call. “I knew Luccia was going to take me all the way to the last and to be fair she did," De Boinville said. "He loved the hill and that ground today."
Ben Brookhouse upheld family tradition with Turners Open National Flat Race hero Brechin Castle (9-4f). The rookie handler's smart prospect, his first to hit the target at the course, was sporting his father Roger's Festival-winning silks.
"This lad is the best of his horses by a long way," the Newmarket trainer said.