IT’S ONE, TWO, THREE FOR JP
Resurgent Jonbon heads sparkling McManus treble
NICKY HENDERSON was filled with emotion as Jonbon climbed back to number one in the My Pension Expert Melling Chase.
The trainer could not decide whether to laugh or cry when his 11-10 favourite capped a stunning Grade One treble for owner JP McManus.
National Hunt racing’s biggest supporter watched the 2m 4f race alongside Henderson, who is enjoying a resurgence after a blank Cheltenham Festival.
“That was perfection, I’ve never seen him jump better,” said Henderson.
“If you change the routine you can upset this fellow very easily. I think we have got the hang of him now – he has just been a star all the way through.”
McManus, who has backed his mare Limerick Lace to win today’s Randox Grand National, scooped the Mildmay Novices’ Chase with her full-brother I no the way ur think in (6-4f ).
Willie Mullins’ Mystical Power (11-10f ) then fended off Firefox for a TrustATrader Top Novices’ Hurdle strike to heap further misery on the bookies.
Mark Walsh steered both Irish raiders to success, while Nico de Boinville was on duty for Jonbon, a late withdrawal from the Queen Mother Champion Chase last month.
“I’m delighted the yard has bounced back this week – it’s been two months of hell with hardly any runners, let alone winners,” the jockey said. “We’ve had to sit and suffer.”
I no the way ur think in is as low as 10-1 for next year’s Gold Cup on the back of his stamina-laden victory which launched Ladies Day.
Impressive in Prestbury Park’s Kim Muir Chase last month, the well backed market leader found yesterday’s race harder work. But he kept finding more for pressure and launched his challenge with one obstacle to cross.
Iroko, another in the McManus silks, was short of room but claimed the runner-up spot, four lengths in arrears.
“His jumping definitely left a bit to be desired, but he clearly has a big engine ,” said I no the way ur thin kin’ s handler Gavin Cromwell.
“He’s up into big boy company next year and we’ll see how that goes.”
Mullins, at the double with Cavani Sartorial Menswear Sefton Novices’ Hurdle hero Dancing City, is 11-8 (from 15-8) with William Hill for the UK trainer’s championship.