Jonbon Targets Third Shloer Chase Victory at Cheltenham’s November Meeting

Nicky Henderson’s Jonbon will attempt to become the first horse to win the Shloer Chase three times when he returns to Cheltenham Racecourse on Friday 13th November for the opening day of the 2026 November Meeting.

The 12-time Grade 1 winner claimed consecutive victories in the prestigious two-mile contest in 2023 and 2024 before being denied a hat-trick by Dan Skelton’s L’Eau Du Sud last November. Now aged ten, Jonbon returns as the highest-rated runner in a four-horse field as he looks to reclaim his title.

The Grade 2 Shloer Chase gets underway at 2:20pm, with Jonbon facing competition from Gidleigh Park, Mighty Bandit and Saint Segal.

Jonbon Aims to Make Shloer Chase History

Jonbon has established himself as one of Britain’s leading chasers, winning 12 Grade 1 contests and remarkably finishing no lower than second in any of his 28 starts under Rules.

The Nicky Henderson-trained gelding first won the Shloer Chase in November 2023, defeating Edwardstone, before successfully defending his title against Boothill the following year.

However, his bid for a third consecutive victory ended in disappointment in 2025, when L’Eau Du Sud secured an impressive 15-length success at Cheltenham.

Despite that defeat, Jonbon went on to enjoy another successful campaign, winning the Clarence House Chase and Ascot Chase at Ascot before finishing runner-up to Heart Wood in the Ryanair Chase at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival.

With L’Eau Du Sud absent from this year’s renewal after being ruled out for the season, Jonbon has an opportunity to become the first three-time winner of the Shloer Chase.

Harry Cobden Set for First Ride on Jonbon

Friday’s contest also marks a significant occasion for Harry Cobden, who will ride Jonbon competitively for the first time since becoming retained jockey to owner JP McManus.

Cobden takes over from Nico de Boinville, who has partnered Jonbon throughout much of his successful career, including his previous Shloer Chase victories.

Henderson has expressed confidence in his stable star’s preparation, believing the ten-year-old is in better condition for his seasonal debut than he was twelve months ago.

The Seven Barrows trainer acknowledged that Jonbon was not fully ready for his return last season but believes his preparations have been more encouraging this time around.

There are still questions surrounding Jonbon’s preferred distance, having enjoyed considerable success over two and a half miles in recent seasons. Friday’s two-mile contest will therefore provide an important indication of his prospects for the campaign ahead.

Henderson has also identified the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown as a potential next target.

Who Will Challenge Jonbon in the Shloer Chase?

Despite Jonbon’s outstanding record, three rivals will be hoping to prevent him from completing a historic third victory.

Harry Fry’s Gidleigh Park represents an interesting challenge, having demonstrated his ability over shorter distances during his novice chasing campaign. The eight-year-old previously won a Grade 2 contest at Windsor and finished runner-up in the Grade 1 Manifesto Novices’ Chase at Aintree.

Mighty Bandit, trained by Warren Greatrex, also enters the contest with considerable potential after winning three consecutive handicap chases last season. The six-year-old subsequently stepped up to Grade 1 company at Aintree in April, finishing fourth.

Completing the field is Saint Segal, trained by Jane Williams. The eight-year-old enjoyed two victories during the previous campaign and has the advantage of a recent run at Ffos Las in October.

Jonbon is officially rated 165, placing him ten pounds ahead of nearest rival Gidleigh Park, although Henderson’s runner must concede six pounds to each of his opponents.

November Meeting Begins the Road to Cheltenham Festival 2027

The Shloer Chase headlines the opening day of the 2026 Cheltenham November Meeting, which takes place from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th November.

Saturday’s programme features the prestigious Paddy Power Gold Cup, while Sunday’s racing concludes with the Unibet Greatwood Handicap Hurdle.

For Jonbon, Friday represents the beginning of another campaign that could eventually lead back to Prestbury Park for the 2027 Cheltenham Festival, taking place from Tuesday 16th to Friday 19th March.

Despite his remarkable career achievements, Jonbon is yet to win a race at the Cheltenham Festival, having finished second in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, Arkle Chase, Champion Chase and Ryanair Chase.

A third Shloer Chase victory would provide an ideal start to his latest campaign, with connections hoping the experienced chaser can continue competing at the highest level.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the 2026 Shloer Chase?

The 2026 Shloer Chase takes place on Friday 13th November at Cheltenham Racecourse. The Grade 2 contest is scheduled to begin at 2:20pm on the opening day of the November Meeting.

How many times has Jonbon won the Shloer Chase?

Jonbon has won the Shloer Chase twice, claiming consecutive victories in 2023 and 2024. He finished second to L’Eau Du Sud in 2025 and will attempt to become the first three-time winner in 2026.

Who is riding Jonbon in the 2026 Shloer Chase?

Harry Cobden will ride Jonbon for Nicky Henderson, making his first competitive appearance aboard the ten-year-old following his appointment as JP McManus’ retained jockey.

Which horses are running in the 2026 Shloer Chase?

Four horses have been declared for the 2026 Shloer Chase: Jonbon, Gidleigh Park, Mighty Bandit and Saint Segal.

When is the 2027 Cheltenham Festival?

The 2027 Cheltenham Festival takes place from Tuesday 16th to Friday 19th March at Cheltenham Racecourse, featuring four days of major National Hunt racing, including the Champion Hurdle and Cheltenham Gold Cup.