12-time Grade 1 winner Jonbon will likely skip the Cheltenham Festival if Fact To File takes up his Ryanair entry.
With the Ryanair Chase Jonbon’s sole target, his participation hinges on whether Fact To File will be supplemented for the Gold Cup. Mullins’ horse was a nine-length winner of last year’s Ryanair, and it looks a penalty kick for him again. However, his success in the Irish Gold Cup has given connections the option of the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
The Champion Chase was ruled out for Jonbon, with the intermediate trip preferred after his Ascot Chase success over 2m5f. However, Henderson suggested it is more likely he skips Cheltenham with Aintree his preference.
Speaking at the Racing Post‘s Cheltenham Preview show, Henderson said: “Our original plan was to wait for Aintree. If Fact To File were to come into the Ryanair, I imagine that would remain the plan. Jonbon had two hard races quite quickly. I’d love to freshen him up and probably even try three miles at Aintree. He’s won the Melling twice so that would be my inclination. It’s my preferred route anyway.”
“I think we’ll miss this dance this time” – Henderson
The only accolade missing on Jonbon’s glittering career is an elusive Cheltenham Festival success. Three of his seven defeats have come at the Festival, the first in 2022 when second to Constitution Hill. Jonbon was then second to El Fabiolo in the Arkle, and second again in last year’s Champion Chase.
“He deserves a Cheltenham victory,” continued Henderson. “But I think we’ll miss this dance this time and in all probability that’s what will happen. I imagine we’ll leave him in just in case, but he’s working towards Aintree.
“I’d be dying to go 2m5f with him and I loved the way he travelled at Ascot. We didn’t have to drill him the whole way round, and going that bit further helped him.”
Jonbon bares a striking similarity to Shishkin, who won the Ascot Chase on his first try at 2m5f in 2023. Though second in the Ryanair, Shishkin successfully stepped up to three miles in the Bowl at Aintree.
Fact To File’s Gold Cup participation may also hinge on the wellbeing of last years winner Inothewayurthinkin. Also owned by JP McManus, he’s been a shadow of his former self this season. However, with Gavin Cromwell reporting he’s showing positive signs at home, it’s looking increasingly likely we’ll see him line up once more with Fact To File sent to regain his Ryanair crown.