Sandown LIVE: Jonbon Chases 13th Grade 1 Victory in Bet365 Celebration Chase

Saturday, April 25, 2026, marks the climax of the 2025/26 National Hunt season at Sandown Park, where the bet365 Celebration Chase (Grade 1) takes centrepiece as the Jump Finale Day’s premier contest. Jonbon, the Nicky Henderson-trained ten-year-old, lines up in pursuit of a historic 13th Grade 1 triumph and a third consecutive win in this prestigious 2-mile chase.

According to the official racecard, Jonbon carries 11-10 and is rated 165, sharing the top official rating with Solness (FR) among the six declared runners. The gelding, sired by Voix du Nord and owned by JP McManus, enters the race having won the 2023 and 2024 editions of the Celebration Chase, with his only blemish in the renewal coming in 2025 when beaten by Il Etait Temps (FR).

Jonbon’s Quest for History

Jonbon arrives at Sandown with an exemplary record at the Esher track, having been beaten only twice in seven previous appearances. A victory would see him join Altior as the only horses to win the bet365 Celebration Chase three times, while likewise securing his 12th Grade 1 success under Nicky Henderson and extending his career tally to 13 at the highest level.

The Henderson stable has enjoyed considerable success in the race, with Jonbon’s potential hat-trick aiming to mirror Altior’s treble achieved between 2016 and 2018. Jonbon’s previous wins came in 2023 (8/13 favourite) and 2024 (15/8), demonstrating consistent excellence in this Grade 1 contest.

Field and Form Analysis

Jonbon faces a competitive lineup including Edwardstone (OR 150), JPR One (IRE) (OR 159), Mirabad (FR) (OR 155), Solness (FR) (OR 165), and Brookie (IRE) (OR 141). All runners carry 11-10, reflecting the race’s standard weight-for-age conditions.

Jonbon’s most recent form reads 2-22112, indicating placements in his last five starts, while his overall career boasts remarkable consistency at Grade 1 level. The Nicky Henderson camp has expressed confidence in the gelding’s readiness, citing his affinity for Sandown’s sharp, testing circuit.

Race Context and Significance

The bet365 Celebration Chase, first run in 2001 as a replacement for the Queen Mother Championship Chase during the foot-and-mouth crisis, has evolved into one of the season’s climax events. Held over 1m 7f 99y on the Old Course at Sandown Park, it regularly attracts top-class chasers preparing for the Cheltenham Festival or aiming to finish their campaigns on a high note.

With the 2026 renewal offering £175,000 in added money (winner’s share £99,662), the race carries significant prestige and financial incentive. Jonbon’s connections will be aiming to cap a decorated career with another landmark victory on Jump Finale Day.

Conclusion

As the curtains draw on the 2025/26 National Hunt season, all eyes turn to Sandown Park and the bet365 Celebration Chase. Jonbon stands on the brink of history, seeking a third straight win in this Grade 1 feature and a 13th career triumph at the pinnacle of the sport. His presence alone elevates the contest, promising a fitting finale to a thrilling jump racing campaign.