Jonbon aiming to make Aintree amends with Melling repeat

Cheltenham disappointment is not enough to diminish the affection in which Jonbon is held, as he bids to roar back to top form and defend his My Pension Expert Melling Chase crown at Aintree.

Nicky Henderson’s star performer headed to Prestbury Park seeking the Cheltenham Festival win his dominance of the two-mile chasing division richly deserved, but saw Champion Chase dreams blown apart when a mid-race error allowed Marine Nationale to steal a march and secure top honours.

Having bravely regrouped for second, he now stretches out in trip once again in search of Merseyside compensation, with connections unwavering in their admiration for a horse who has won 17 of his 21 career starts and nine times at the highest level.

“He was great in this race last year and it’s just unfortunate things didn’t work out for him at Cheltenham in the Champion Chase, but that’s the game we’re in,” said Frank Berry, racing manager for owner JP McManus.

“Nicky is very happy and he goes there in good form. He’s a smashing horse and it’s hard to get hold of too many like him. He’s been a marvellous horse and we’ve had some great days with him and we hope for another one on Friday, we’re hoping for the best.”

Another horse who has been a great servant for all associated is Protektorat, who will sport the colours of former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson in the back yard of rivals Liverpool on Friday afternoon.

Dan Skelton’s 10-year-old could not repeat his 2024 Ryanair Chase heroics when only fourth at this year’s Festival, but is reported to have bounced out of that recent outing and now seeks to better last year’s two-and-a-half-length third to Jonbon.

“He’s come out of Cheltenham really well and he just does his thing, he’s not a horse who makes life difficult, he just gets on with it,” said Skelton.

“The older he’s got and the more racing he’s had, the more he seems to enjoy himself.

“I don’t think the race suited him at Cheltenham, he just couldn’t quite get into a smooth rhythm like he did the year before. But he never runs a bad race or lets us down and we’re excited to have another go.”

Only four will go to post for the Grade One event with owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede possessing half of the field through Willie Mullins’ El Fabiolo and Nigel Twiston-Davies’ Matata.

It will be the fourth time El Fabiolo and Jonbon have crossed swords, with the duo fighting out a thrilling finish to the Top Novices’ Hurdle at this meeting in their younger days, although they meet over further than two miles this time.

“It will be a big ask to beat Jonbon who obviously won that race well last year and seemed to relish that trip,” said Anthony Bromley, racing manager to the owners.

“But both our two didn’t go Cheltenham and they are fresh and well and I think the new trip for Matata will suit him.

“It’s similar for El Fabiolo, who I’m sure is crying out for that trip. It was almost too heavy for him when he was second at Navan last time.

“We’re hoping for good runs, but we’re certainly not underestimating Protektorat as well as Jonbon and it’s a classy race. There is nice prize-money and with only four in it, it’s great to have two vying for a slice of it.”