logo
'Superstar' Jonbon wins Melling Chase at Aintree

'Superstar' Jonbon wins Melling Chase at Aintree

BBC News04-04-2025

Odds-on favourite Jonbon won the Melling Chase on day two of the Grand National meeting at Aintree. The nine-year-old, who was 4-6 favourite, was part of a front three initially before jockey Nico de Boinville settled him in behind.He took over on the second circuit and went clear before being pushed out by De Boinville to win by three and a quarter lengths from Protektorat.It is some compensation for Jonbon, who finished second, after a shuddering mistake, when odds-on favourite for the Champion Chase at Cheltenham Festival last month. "There was really [an awful lot riding on that]," De Boinville told ITV. "Jonbon gets us out of trouble again."You would have said it's been a tough week but all the credit to the staff and particularly the governor [trainer Nicky Henderson], [owner] JP McManus and his team. "They've kept the faith in us - we had to pick ourselves up after yesterday [with Constitution Hill] and thankfully I've got really nice horses to ride like Jonbon here. He is an absolute superstar."He was a very different horse to the one I rode at Cheltenham - he really enjoyed it out there today. You can see when he's right and on song he loves his jumping."Racing and all sport is tough and place to be in and you've just got to roll with the punches and when you're on the floor you've just got to pick yourself up again. It's like that famous Rocky saying 'you've got to get up and keep moving forward' and what's we try and do."It is Jonbon's second win in the Melling Chase, which is a step up in trip to 2m 3f 200y. Matata finished third, while the Willie Mullins-trained El Fabiolo fell on the second circuit.
Willie Mullins claimed his fifth Grade One win of the meeting when Paul Townend steered 7-2 shot Salvator Mundi to victory in the TrustATrader Top Novices' Hurdle. Townend told ITV that they had an "incredible team" after he secured his fourth Grade One win across the opening two days of the meeting. Another smart front-running ride from Harry Cobden saw Caldwell Potter back up his Cheltenham Festival win in the Grade One Huyton Asphalt Franny Blennerhassett Memorial Mildmay Novices' Chase.Cobden sent the Paul Nicholls-trained 11-4 favourite to the front from the off and led all the way through the 3m 210y race.Victory in the race was worth £71,504 and sees the seven-year-old recoup more of his record-breaking 740,000 euros fee. Similar tactics from Jonjo O'Neill Jr saw 14-1 shot Wellington Arch claim the William Hill Handicap Hurdle. The three-day meeting concludes on Saturday, with the 177th running of the Grand National the feature race at 16:00 BST.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Roy Keane says ‘something missing' from ‘unhappy' England after Senegal defeat
Roy Keane says ‘something missing' from ‘unhappy' England after Senegal defeat

The Independent

time15 hours ago

  • The Independent

Roy Keane says ‘something missing' from ‘unhappy' England after Senegal defeat

has questioned England's group spirit following their shock 3-1 friendly defeat to Senegal. The loss came days after an underwhelming World Cup qualifying victory against Andorra and Thomas Tuchel 's side were booed off at the City Ground on Tuesday (10 June). England's display raised further questions a year out from the World Cup and former Republic of Ireland international Keane questioned their spirit. Speaking on ITV's post-match analysis, he said: 'I look at this England group, and I know we're on the outside looking in… I think there's something amiss here. They don't look like a happy group.'

Shamed BBC star Jermaine Jenas axed from ITV show amid sacking and sexting scandal
Shamed BBC star Jermaine Jenas axed from ITV show amid sacking and sexting scandal

Wales Online

time15 hours ago

  • Wales Online

Shamed BBC star Jermaine Jenas axed from ITV show amid sacking and sexting scandal

Shamed BBC star Jermaine Jenas axed from ITV show amid sacking and sexting scandal Jermaine Jenas will not be part of the ITV team covering Soccer Aid this weekend after being sacked by the BBC last year Jermaine Jenas will not be part of ITV's Soccer Aid coverage (Image:) Jermaine Jenas will not be part of the ITV team covering Soccer Aid this weekend , amid the ongoing fallout from the BBC's dismissal of him over allegations of workplace misconduct. The former England international was sacked in August over claims he had sent inappropriate texts to female colleagues. Jenas was removed from his role as a presenter of The One Show and a pundit for BBC Sport after an internal investigation was launched. ‌ Jenas saw his contract terminated by the broadcaster and ultimately also parted ways with his long-term agents MC Saatchi in addition to being let go from his role presenting Formula E. In previous years, Jenas has worked alongside Maya Jama as part of ITV's coverage for the charity match Soccer Aid, with Dermot O'Leary and Alex Scott taking on presenting duties. ‌ The latter pair are set to host once again as England take on a Rest of the World side with Wayne Rooney and Tyson Fury co-managing the Three Lions at Old Trafford on Sunday. According to Mail Online, ITV did not consider Jenas to be part of the production. Given Jenas' recent controversies, the channel did not want to draw unwanted attention to an event centred around charity. It is claimed that ITV still has a good relationship with the former Newcastle and Tottenham midfielder. Jenas has returned to football media work following his departure from the BBC. After a brief hiatus from his presenting role on talkSPORT, the 42-year-old made a guest appearance and resumed his commentary duties in February. Article continues below Jermaine Jenas left the BBC last year (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images ) Reflecting on his return, Jenas told the radio station: "The biggest thing in this whole situation is about taking responsibility and that has been at the forefront of my mind. There's a reason why you're in this position and there's a reason why this has happened. "Once you accept those things, then you can work on yourself and you can work on the other things and you can work on your family and work towards a brighter future. ‌ "Essentially, this is about me looking inwards, making some improvements and coming back a better person." However, in March, Jenas' long-term partner Ellie Penfold announced their separation. The couple, who have four children together, had been in a 16-year relationship. Jermaine Jenas began his media career after retiring from football (Image: Vince Mignott/) Article continues below Penfold took to social media to share the news, stating: "I never imagined I would have to share something so personal with the public, but given the situation, I feel it's necessary. "After 16 years together and 4 wonderful children, Jermaine and I have decided to part ways. "We will remain friends and continue to co-parent. We kindly ask that you respect our children's privacy during this challenging time. Thank you, Ellie."

‘Looks like they're chatting in Starbucks' Roy Keane urges England stars to scream at each other after error-ridden loss
‘Looks like they're chatting in Starbucks' Roy Keane urges England stars to scream at each other after error-ridden loss

The Sun

time17 hours ago

  • The Sun

‘Looks like they're chatting in Starbucks' Roy Keane urges England stars to scream at each other after error-ridden loss

ROY KEANE has urged England's struggling side to wake up and smell the coffee. The Three Lions put in a dismal showing as they slumped to a 3-1 friendly loss to Senegal on Tuesday night. 2 2 Man Utd legend Keane appeared alongside Mark Pougatch and Ian Wright to review the performance on ITV. And he didn't hold back, accusing England 's stars of lacking fire and speaking to each other "like they're in Starbucks". Keane raged: "Both of the first two goals [England] conceded tonight, I don't see them getting hold of each other. "You don't throw each other under the bus but you start shouting at each other, telling them to do their job. "For the second goal, they are having a chat like they are in Starbucks. They're all saying, 'Maybe I should have gone for that.' "Do your job! That is what good teammates do. Do your job or we are in trouble." England's defeat was their first ever against an African nation. And just a year out from a World Cup, Keane believes there is something fundamentally wrong behind the scenes. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK He continued: "On one hand, you don't want to overreact. "But the signs aren't great. It's been a bad couple of days for England. 'They looked bored' - Roy Keane slams England's 'poor attitude' as Thomas Tuchel admits 'I didn't like' Andorra effort "They won [against Andorra] but you felt the rhythm wasn't there. "I think the manager will be concerned. I look at this England group, I think there's something amiss. "To me they don't look like a happy group. "Are they really all in it together? Is there proper spirit amongst the group? I'm not so sure." Keane also took aim at Kyle Walker for being "lazy" after England threw away a one-goal lead at the City Ground. The AC Milan defender failed to track his marker as Ismaila Sarr smashed in the equaliser. Kane raged: "If this is a young right-back starting out in the game you're thinking inexperience. "I think he has been lazy. He is a vastly experienced defender and he doesn't bother getting back in. "You tell defenders get back in. "He's just on his heels and he almost can't be bothered getting back. "I know he's had a difficult few months but for a vastly experienced player you can't be making mistakes like that." Thomas Tuchel now has the summer to ponder his next England squad ahead of a home World Cup qualifier with Andorra.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store