One of the most eagerly awaited horse racing events is the Cheltenham Festival, and Jonbon is back with a compelling case for victory. The gifted chaser is poised to claim his first Festival race in the 2025 Queen Mother Champion Chase, a feat he narrowly missed in previous years.
Glory at Cheltenham
At the National Hunt level, Jonbon has never lacked class. He has an excellent track record and has won a string of famous races as a result of his training by the highly acclaimed Nicky Henderson. However, because of previous near-misses at the Festival, Cheltenham has not been his happiest hunting ground. Things could be different this time around.
Enhancement
In recent outings, Jonbon has produced outstanding displays. His most impressive win was in the 2025 Clarence House Chase at Ascot, where he beat two-time Queen Mother Champion Chase victor Energumene by over six lengths. This victory not only showcased Jonbon’s growing stamina and finishing ability but also demonstrated his potential to outperform even the most formidable competitors. As a result, he is now firmly in contention for Cheltenham.
The Tactical Edge
Jonbon’s versatility is one of his greatest strengths; he has demonstrated his ability to lead from the front or follow early leaders and then make a late surge. As he has gained more experience over jumps, his jumping has also improved, making him less likely to make mistakes under pressure.
Confidence of Trainer and Jockey
Nicky Henderson is still convinced that Jonbon can finally win Cheltenham. “Jonbon has improved greatly and is now at the height of his ability,” Henderson said after his Ascot win. His usual rider, Nico de Boinville, also believes Jonbon possesses the talent to deliver when it matters most.
Jonbon
Jonbon’s trend so far this season is aligned with past champions who built momentum during the campaign. The Queen Mother Champion Chase is a prestigious race that has seen dominant performances by horses at the optimal time. Additionally, several past odds-on favourites have lost this contest, so Jonbon may gain if others fall short. His current form and the historical context of the rac make him a compelling bet for the 2025 Queen Mother Champion Chase.
Important Betting
Jon N provides punters with an exciting option. He looks like a value play on his recent form, particularly if his odds remain competitive. Some considerations when placing a bet are:
Ground Conditions: Cheltenham likely has good-to-soft ground, which suits Jonbon.
Rival Form: Jonbon’s recent form shows that he can equal or beat Energumene and El Fabiolo, two of his key competitors.
Race Pace: Jonbon would be better off with a quick pace, which would allow him to settle and then attack later.
With his experience, form, and pace, Jonbon can, at last, break his Cheltenham jinx. His current successes, coupled with the belief of his trainer and a profitable race set-up, render him a good bet for the 2025 Queen Mother Champion Chase, where he can win and reward his fans.
