In an exciting twist for Thursday at the Cheltenham Festival, Jonbon has been declared for the Ryanair Chase.
Nicky Henderson had intimated last week that Aintree was the preferred option directly for the ten-year-old. However, a u-turn has been pulled, with Jonbon declared for the Ryanair Chase on Tuesday morning.
The 12-time Grade 1 winner joins Fact To File as a JP McManus runner in the race. The defending champion and Irish Gold Cup hero is the clear favourite for the feature chase on day three at Cheltenham. It had been mooted that he may be supplemented for the Gold Cup, but that did not occur on Saturday.
Former King George winner Banbridge is also present among the declarations. 2025 runner-up Heart Wood and multiple Grade 1 winner Impaire Et Passe only add further depth to wat looks a stronger renewal than expected.
11 declared for Stayers’ Hurdle
11 horses have been declared for the Thursday feature, the Stayers’ Hurdle. Teahupoo, who is set to go off favourite for the fourth successive season in the race, heads an exciting line-up.
Gordon Elliott’s charge won the race in 2024, but met with frustrating defeats in 2023 and last season. His conqeuror last term, Bob Olinger, is back to defend at the age of 11 for Henry De Bromhead. Rachael Blackmore will not be in the saddle this season after retirement, replaced by Darragh O’Keeffe.
Teahupoo’s stablemate Honesty Policy may attempt to prove he is the new kid on the block. He is one of two in the McManus colours alongside Impose Toi, the Long Walk Hurdle winner.
Backing up Nicky Henderson’s charge for the British challenge are Ma Shantou and Kabral Du Mathan. The former beat Impose Toi impressively in the Cleeve Hurdle, while the latter has been a significant improver for Dan Skelton this season.
Wodhooh faces six challengers in Mares’ Hurdle
The absence of Lossiemouth has not encouraged many to chance their arm for the Mares’ Hurdle. Just seven horses have been declared, with Wodhooh the mare to beat for the Elliott yard.
Last year’s Martin Pipe winner has lost just once in her career so far, going down to Lossiemouth in the Aintree Hurdle last season. She is building up an impressive resume as she eyes up a first Grade 1 victory.
Her rivals include last year’s second and third Jade De Grugy, for Willie Mullins, and Take No Chances, for Dan Skelton. Also declared are consistent mares Feet Of A Dancer and Jetara, who avoid handicap company for this target.