A dominant performance from Jonbon saw him become the first horse since Kauto Star to win back-to-back runnings of the Tingle Creek.

The eventful contest began with a false start and Master Chewy and Edwardstone both fell before the Nicky Henderson-trained star, the consummate professional, drew clear of Quilixios to record his 16th career success and eighth Grade 1. Haldon Gold Cup winner JPR One was a respectable third.

The JP McManus-owned eight-year-old was trimmed to 5-2 (from 7-2) by Betfair to secure an elusive first Cheltenham Festival win in the Queen Mother Champion Chase in March. 

Jonbon made a mistake at the second fence but was ultimately a class apart and extended his perfect record at Sandown to five under Nico de Boinville.

Nicky Henderson, winning the race for the fourth time after Jonbon went a step further than his legendary two-milers Sprinter Sacre and Altior, said: “He’s jumped that first ditch so many times, he should know there isn’t a crocodile in there but today he thought there was.

“He was up for a battle today. He’s a very classy terrier because he just loves the scrap. He is the two-miler that I think can represent our country. We’ve got to fight against the enemy, who are going to come over in force. It’ll be interesting to see how Energumene gets on tomorrow.”

Queen Mother Champion Chase (Cheltenham, March 12)

Paddy Power: 5-2 Jonbon, 7-2 Gaelic Warrior, 6 El Fabiolo, 10 Energumene, 16 Found A Fifty, 20 Ferny Hollow, Il Etait Temps, 25 Dinoblue, Marine Nationale, 33 Banbridge, 40 Blood Destiny, Boothill, Captain Guinness, Quilixios, 50 bar

This race report is being updated and more news will follow shortly.

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