Jonbon outpaces Energumene in Clarence House Chase

Might not have produced the great Clarence House Chase of 2022, but for very different reasons, Jonbon still managed to draw out superlative adjectives

Former stablemate, Shishkin, left it later than late to mow down Energumene, Jonbon and Nico de Bonville, putting the same rival immediately facing swords.

On his first try over Ascot's fences, Jonbon, wasted little time becoming acquainted with the royal racecourse's stiff birch obstacles.

Turning away from public view, his revs were already up and two genuine titans went at it. Jonbon was the more exuberant at his fences, but that was not enough to shake off Energumene, who was still close enough if good enough by the time they turned for reality.

At the age of 11, Energumene was trying to give two years to Jonbon, but did not have the legs to match a rival who has been beaten just three times in 20 starts under rules.

Yet this was not so much about Energumene's failings and more an exhibition of the sheer brilliance Jonbon possesses, something he highlighted in spectacular fashion. Sweeping like a tsunami to the line, he putting 6.5 lengths between himself and a rival who had only ever been beaten twice in 13 starts.

Anyone who tracked Jonbon after the line will have seen he wasn't stopping in a hurry either. "What a performance," said Nicky Henderson "happy to say Jonbon had put in a career-best effort. Nico set off with only one intention, to be honest. It was a brave way to do it but it was the right way and this horse loves it. He was a bit too fresh but that's the way he wants to be.

It was two heavyweights fighting for a title. Jonbon is still quite young and so professional now. He can dance at a fence and is very quick in and out.

Loved was the way he quickened up going to the last. He'd fought off the enemy but still wanted to go and make a good show of it." There will be nothing to lay a glove on Jonbon in the Champion Chase.