The feature race on day two of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival would go the way of Ireland as yet another odds on favourite from the Nicky Henderson yard was beaten.
This time, Jonbon and the horse to beat him, Marine Nationale, who would finish strongly up the run in, claiming glory in great style.
It was a timely win, just weeks after the death of Michael O’Sullivan, the horse that made him famous would have success on the same day at the Cheltenham Festival.
Later on, on the same card, Jazzy Matty, another horse that gave O’Sullivan Cheltenham success, would also bag a win, which would be a very moving day for all connected to Michael and these two runners. I guess you could say it was written in the stars for this to happen today.
Third Big Cheltenham Defeat for Jonbon
Moving back to the favourite for Wednesday’s feature, Jonbon, and this is now the third time he’s been to Cheltenham for a big race, and he was disappointed.
There’s a lot to be said about whether he likes the course or not. Personally, I don’t think it has anything to do with the course, but now this performance has happened, it’ll only add more fuel to the fire of those who believe it’s true.
A bad jump cost him the race. It may have happened halfway through the race, but he was then tailed off and just couldn’t get back up to the pack.
Speaking afterwards, Nico de Boinville was also critical of the starter, saying the tape hit Jonbon at the start, which may have also played a part in it.
The two-mile chasing division is only going to get stronger over time. This was Jonbon’s best chance to win a Champion Chase, and he failed to take the crown.
Improving Marine Nationale Takes Big Step Forward
Second favourite and strong in the betting, this was a shock win by Marine Nationale, but he clearly needed to take a step forward to win it, and he did exactly that. He was good before, today, I think he was very, very good.
He’s a good horse over hurdles, of course, winning the Supreme two years ago, it’s taken time over fences, but he’s been better with every run this year. That should all point towards a very successful season next winter, though, as already said, I think from here, the two-mile chase division is only going to get stronger and stronger.
Lengthy Odds on 2026 Repeat
The betting shows that it won’t be easy next season, Marine Nationale has been put in at 7/1 to win the Champion Chase again next season.
Ahead of him, some of the brightest young prospects from the novice division. Sir Gino leads the way but was favourite when withdrawn and is the new up-and-comer of the Henderson yard.
My guess is that he overtakes Jonbon as being the best two mile chaser at Seven Barrows next season.
Then we’ve got Majborough, strong favourite for the Arkle this year, but a blunder two out cost him the win there. If he can improve his jumping, he will definitely be a force to be reckoned with next year.
Jonbon is also priced up at 7/1 for the Champion Chase next season, which is about right. Even if he’d won this year, only a good win would have seen him be much shorter.
I think that’s a sign of the current state of the division and what’s coming up through the novice races.