Day one at the Aintree Grand National Meeting didn’t quite go according to plan for the Nicky Henderson operation. Only two runners made the trip from Seven Barrows to Merseyside, but both started favourites in their respective races. If Jango Baie and Constitution Hill could land their respective targets, perhaps Henderson could make an improbable late run at the British Trainers’ Championship title. Unfortunately, that was not to be
Jango Gets Going Too Late, and Constitution Down Again
Surprise Arke hero Jango Baie was first up in the Manifesto Novices’ Chase. Already a winner over the 2m4f trip and having needed every last yard to prevail in the two-mile Arkle, it was easy to see why the mount of Nico de Boinville topped the market.
Despite the longer trip, Jango Baie put in a similar effort – becoming outpaced at a crucial stage before running on well to the line. However, whilst it worked at Cheltenham, it didn’t work here. By the time Jango Baie got going, Impaire Et Passe was away and gone to hand Willie Mullins the first of a remarkable four Grade 1 wins on the day.
Next up, the horse who, in the eyes of most observers, is the most talented two-mile hurdler in a generation. With 10 wins from 11 career outings, including eight spectacular Grade 1 triumphs, it was hard to argue with that assessment heading into the Aintree Hurdle.
Whilst it was true that Constitution Hill had enjoyed a far-from-ideal prep when falling in the Champion Hurdle, that was the first time he had fallen in his career, and he remained clear of his rivals on ratings. If staying upright, he was the one to beat in a race he claimed in 2023.
Unfortunately, he didn’t. Down at the fourth last in the Champion Hurdle, he made it as far as the second last this time before taking a heavy tumble. Thankfully, horse and jockey emerged unscathed, but the reputation of Constitution Hill suffered another blow as the prize fell to Lossiemouth and Willie Mullins.
Jonbon Lifts the Mood on Ladies’ Day
Given the efforts of Constitution Hill and, to a lesser extent, Jango Baie, Henderson and De Boinville could be forgiven for feeling a little downhearted at the end of the opening day. However, the good thing for a yard like Henderson’s is that the next Grade 1 opportunity is rarely too far away.
For the successful trainer and jockey combo, that opportunity arrived in the Melling Chase as Jonbon set out to defend his title. Like Constitution Hill, Jonbon had failed to enter the Winner’s Enclosure at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival. He did, at least, stay on his feet, but only barely, with a juddering error contributing to a runners-up finish in the Queen Mother Champion Chase. That effort extended Jonbon’s Cheltenham Festival form figures to 222 – respectable and frustrating in equal measure.
Despite those near and not-so-near misses at Prestbury Park, Jonbon is undoubtedly one of the most talented chasers in training – a statement he has repeatedly backed up everywhere other than at the Cheltenham Festival.
Ahead of the 2025 Melling Chase, punters were willing to forgive that Cheltenham Festival mishap, with Jonbon starting as the 4/6f in a small but select field. Lying in wait amongst the opposition were El Fabiolo, who mastered Jonbon in the 2024 Arkle Chase, and 2024 Ryanair Chase champ, Protektorat. Could the favourite rediscover his best to restore the mood in the Henderson camp?
You bet he could. Jumping magnificently throughout, Jonbon forged on at the head of affairs as main market rival El Fabiolo produced a terrible blunder and crashed out. Protektorat challenged in the straight but could make no inroads as Jonbon stuck it out for success by just over three lengths.
With this victory, Jonbon made it a perfect three from three at Aintree and extended his Grade 1 winning tally to 10 – two more than his illustrious full brother Douvan. A remarkable achievement by a remarkable horse!