On a card lacking the drama of last season, Jonbon headlines Sandown’s jumps finale this Saturday. The meeting has attracted only one runner from Willie Mullins‘ yard after a substantial Closutton entry in 2025 when the British trainers’ title was on the line.
As such, Sandown will bemoan their misfortune that Dan Skelton has so run away with this season’s championship. Only seven runners have been entered for the Grade 1 Celebration Chase while just 14 were confirmed for the bet365 Gold Cup.
Nevertheless, Jonbon remains one of the more recognisable equine names in racing. The ten-year-old has twice won the Celebration Chase to conclude his campaigns. However, Nicky Henderson’s star met with a portentous defeat in 2025; his conqueror was none other than this year’s facile Champion Chase hero Il Etait Temps.
Jonbon faces six rivals before declarations are made. Among those is Thistle Ask, the rapid improver of the season who was second behind Jonbon in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot. Another front-runner in Solness has been entered by Joseph O’Brien. The 12-year-old Edwardstone may sing his swansong in the Celebration Chase too.
One third of entries confrimed for bet365 Gold Cup
42 horses had been provisionally entered for the bet365 Gold Cup, but only 14 have been confirmed for the handicap this Saturday. The contest, formerly known as the Whitbread Gold Cup, may be steeped in history, but that has not allured many connections this season.
That said, last year’s winner Resplendent Grey is in the early line-up. Olly Murphy’s charge outbattled the Mullins forces under Sean Bowen in 2025. A mixed campaign has seen him win only one of four races this term, which came on his seasonal debut. He was last seen finishing 15th in the Ultima Handicap Chase, but will look to bounce back at Sandown.
Others in the running are the in-form Havaila for Gary & Josh Moore. He has won his last two races in splendid fashion, rising 19lb in the handicap. Mullins’ only runner, Road To Home, is rerouted here having missed the Scottish Grand National, as are Montregard and Ask Brewster.
Skelton seeks to make winning margin more emphatic
Although the trainers’ title has been wrapped up for many weeks, Dan Skelton is seeking to make his winning margin even greater.
Throughout the card, he has a number of entries. Kabral Du Mathan, who faded to fourth in the Stayers’ Hurdle, is in the Group 2 select Hurdle. Meanwhile, Doyen Quest, Etalon and Riskintheground are all among a weak field for the Grade 2 Oaksey Chase, headed by favourite Blow Your Wad who was fourth in the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham.