Valentine's Day delivered a heart-stopping thriller at Ascot as Jonbon snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, securing his 12th Grade One win! It was a nail-biting finish that had everyone on the edge of their seats.
In a dramatic showdown at the Ascot Chase, Jonbon, trained by the renowned Nicky Henderson, went head-to-head with the formidable Pic D'Orhy. Pic D'Orhy, a previous winner in both 2024 and 2025, put up an incredible fight, pushing Jonbon all the way to the final fence. The crowd was on their feet as both horses cleared the last obstacle almost simultaneously!
Jockey Harry Cobden on the 5-2 shot Pic D'Orhy appeared poised to clinch a remarkable third consecutive victory. However, Nico de Boinville, aboard the overwhelming 4-9 favourite Jonbon, unleashed a phenomenal surge. In a display of sheer grit and determination, Jonbon dug deep to power clear, ultimately winning by a commanding length and a half.
This victory places Jonbon in elite company. With 12 Grade One victories over fences, he now trails only the legendary Kauto Star, a two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, who boasts an astonishing 16 Grade One wins.
Nicky Henderson, clearly emotional, spoke about Jonbon's incredible bravery. "You have got to be very brave to do what he did today because it was only four weeks ago that he was in another big battle here," he remarked, referring to Jonbon's previous triumph in the Clarence House Chase. He added, with a hopeful smile, "You would like to think that he could win one [at next month's Cheltenham Festival] because he deserves one, doesn't he?"
In a field of six, Jonbon and Pic D'Orhy were in a league of their own. The third-place finisher, Blow Your Wad (a 33-1 outsider), finished a distant 14 lengths behind the leading duo.
But here's where it gets interesting... Even in defeat, Pic D'Orhy's trainer, Paul Nicholls, was beaming. He described the race as "one of his best ever races," a testament to the sheer quality of the performance despite the outcome. It really highlights how a race can be won or lost by the narrowest of margins, and how much heart these athletes possess.
And this is the part most people miss... While the Ascot Chase was stealing headlines, another exciting race was unfolding at Haydock. The Grand National Trial Handicap Chase saw Grand Geste produce a stunning late surge to claim victory.
Jockey Danny McMenamin expertly guided the Sue Smith-trained grey, holding him back until the final stages. Grand Geste hit the front just after the last fence and powered home to win by just under two lengths at odds of 13-2. This victory carries with it the tantalizing prospect of a £500,000 bonus if Grand Geste can go on to win the prestigious Grand National at Aintree this year!
In that Haydock race, Top of the Bill secured second place, followed by Neo King and Deafening Silence. Interestingly, the heavily backed favourite, Myretown, led for much of the early race but faded dramatically and was pulled up.
What do you think? Was Jonbon's victory a display of sheer dominance, or did Pic D'Orhy's performance deserve more recognition? And can Grand Geste truly go all the way to win the Grand National? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
