Jonbon fails to sparkle in Warwick win

Jonbon was replaced as Arkle favourite, despite maintaining his unbeaten record over fences in the Virgin Bet Kingmaker Novices' Chase at Warwick.

Sent off at 1-16 to beat just one rival – Dan Skelton’s Calico – following the morning withdrawal of two others, his trademark zip appeared to be missing at times.

Aidan Coleman sent Nicky Henderson’s charge into an early lead and while he was doing things easily enough, he was not getting away from Calico.

Halfway down the back straight Harry Skelton sensed an opportunity and sent Calico up Jonbon’s inside, met the next fence on a perfect stride and soon found himself three lengths clear.

It took Jonbon a couple of fences to realise he had a race on his hands and Coleman was happy to challenge around Calico’s outside on the final bend.

Once in front the race was never in doubt, but he was rather workmanlike in winning by five and a half lengths.

Jonbon was pushed out by the bookmakers for the Arkle at Cheltenham next month, with Willie Mullins’ El Fabiolo the new favourite.

Jonbon is made to work hard to land the Grade 2 @VirginBet Kingmaker Novices' Chase, with the seven-year-old ultimately retaining his unbeaten status over fences after forging clear under @AidanColeman for @sevenbarrows