Jonbon enjoys Maghull stroll at Aintree

Jonbon strolled to an easy win in the EFT Systems Maghull Novices’ Chase at Aintree.

The Nicky Henderson-trained bay was one of a small field of four and pulled away smartly around the final bend under Aidan Coleman.

He streaked clear of Calico, ridden by Harry Skelton for his brother Dan, who then fell at the last and left Jonbon to cruise home as the 2-11 favourite.

🟢🟡 Jonbon – back in business at @AintreeRaces @AidanColeman @sevenbarrows

🏇 11 races🥇 Nine wins🏆 G1 EFT Systems Maghull Novices’ Chase🏆 G1 Close Brothers Henry VIII Novices’ Chase🏆 G1 Top Novices’ Hurdle

👍 Best news that Calico & @harryskelton89 are OK pic.twitter.com/5OZO1AlqrO

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 15, 2023

Marvel De Cerisy set out to make all in the two-mile affair, but when Coleman gave the signal, Jonbon eased by to assume control.

Some fine leaps up the straight sealed the 43-length victory, with Marvel De Cerisy taking second and Fusain a further 27 lengths away in third.

Jonbon was returning to winning form after finding El Fabiolo too good in the Arkle at Cheltenham and Henderson felt his charge had shown his true colours this time.

Jonbon and Aidan Coleman after winning the Maghull (David Davies/PA)

The Seven Barrows handler said: “He was good today, wasn’t he? The ground has probably dried out a bit since yesterday and he does love that good ground.

“That is the way he jumps when he’s right. He jumped from fence to fence today and didn’t jump from fence to fence at Cheltenham. Whether it was just the better ground today, I don’t know.

“I was thinking we’d come here and run over two and a half miles, but we knew Dysart Dynamo and El Fabiolo weren’t going here and JP (McManus, owner) said a couple of weeks ago ‘what is actually going to run in the two-mile race’? He was absolutely right.

“Aidan said on good ground he feels like a two-miler. I’ve always thought he’d go as far as you like, but we’ll see – we don’t have to make any decisions today.”

Jonbon on his way to victory (Nigel French/PA)

When asked whether Jonbon could run again before the end of the season at either Punchestown or Sandown, the trainer added: “I very much doubt it, but I won’t rule anything out.

“I know he didn’t win the Arkle, but he’s had a very good first season over fences.”

Coleman also thought conditions had been more to Jonbon’s liking.

He said: “I just didn’t really kind of get out of the ground in the Arkle but we’re more or less the top of the ground now, so it’s lovely for him and the slow side of good.

“He was much more at home and he really jumps better off it because he’s a low, neat jumper and I think he just got a bit stuck on that tacky ground at Cheltenham. He still ran very well obviously and he’s had a great career so far, so onwards and upwards.

“I think he could still go up in trip and there’s lots of options for him. I’d say two miles on that ground and riding him aggressively or forward is something he’s a fan of, but with the way he relaxes and jumps, I’d say you can do anything you want with him.”