Crunch time looms for Jonbon at Haydock
Supreme Novices’ candidate first leg of huge double on big day for Seven Barrows.
Nicky Henderson admits only victory will suffice for Jonbon as he prepares to put his unbeaten record and huge reputation on the line at Haydock on Saturday. On the same afternoon his illustrious stablemate Shishkin locks horns with Energumene in a much-anticipated clash at Ascot, Jonbon will be in action some 200 miles north on Merseyside. Henderson is well aware of the magnitude of the day for all at Seven Barrows, as he unleashes not only the stable’s biggest star but also one of its most exciting prospects. He said: “This weekend is big. Really big. Because it is Jonbon and Shishkin. You relish the pressure because you are lucky enough to have horses like this – it is fascinating.“We are in good shape and it is going to be very interesting. They are very important days in each of the horse’s lives.” Jonbon’s ultimate aim this season will be to follow in Shishkin’s considerable hoofprints by lifting the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in March. But first the GBP 570,000 purchase must cement his claims for the Festival curtain raiser by adding to his previous wins at Newbury and Ascot in the Sky Bet Supreme Trial Rossington Main Novices’ Hurdle. “Jonbon has got to continue on his upward curve and can’t really afford not to – he really has to do it,” Henderson continued.
It’s official – Jonbon is the real deal! @sevenbarrows‘ rising star wins the Grade 2 Howden Kennel Gate Novices’ Hurdle in style at @Ascot under @AidanColeman! pic.twitter.com/wyqpczOSfl
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) December 17, 2021
Guard Your Dreams wins the @Unibet International Hurdle!
A terrifically gutsy display for @samtwiston and @NigelTwistonDav 🏆 pic.twitter.com/BjGdzzlumo — CheltenhamRacecourse (@CheltenhamRaces) December 11, 2021
Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Horse Racing
Four horses who could be targeted at Royal Ascot
As the flat season begins to gather...
-
Horse Racing
Kentucky Derby 2025 – all eyes on Journalism and Baffert
America’s biggest horse race looms on the...
-
Horse Racing
Cheltenham Festival 2025 – Bookies spared bumper payout after opening day carnage
Bookmakers were spared an estimated £50 million...
-
Horse Racing
Rider’s ocular accident underscores importance of protective eyewear
Amid non-stop negotiations surrounding the need to...
-
Horse Racing
Concerns over inadequate facilities for female jockeys as racecourses miss upgrade deadlines
The Professional Jockeys Association (PJA)...
-
Ramatuelle ruled out of Breeders’ Cup Mile bid
French ace scratched from Del Mar contest following veterinary advice.
-
Horse Racing
Yahagi has every faith Forever Young is ready for Classic battle
‘Perfect preparation’ for Kentucky Derby third heading into City Of Troy clash.
-
Exciting times as Brighterdaysahead starts off at Down Royal
‘One step at a time’ for Grade One-winning mare, who was expected to go chasing this season.
-
Joseph O’Brien expecting Classic show from ‘right type’ Troy
But Kieren Fallon sounding note of caution ahead of Del Mar blockbuster.