The 2025 Cheltenham Festival, unfolding from March 11-14 across 28 races, is set to deliver drama, and the Queen Mother Champion Chase at 16:00 on Wednesday, March 12 carries a redemption arc that’s impossible to ignore—Jonbon’s at its beating heart. Nicky Henderson’s star chaser, boosted by Unibet from 4/5 to 11/10, faces a chorus of doubters after a rollercoaster festival record. In the Racing Post’s Unibet-sponsored preview, Henderson mounted a fierce defense, Nico de Boinville stoked the fire, and the panel—Tom Segal, Paul Kealy, Ed Nicholson—debated his shot at Wednesday glory. Can Jonbon, a nine-year-old with nine wins from 12 starts, finally quiet the skeptics and claim his crown?
The Cheltenham Curse: Doubts That Linger
Jonbon’s festival story is a bittersweet saga—glory tinged with grit. His 2022 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle romp—a five-length demolition over 2 miles—hinted at untouchable greatness, a British beacon under Henderson’s care. But last year’s Champion Chase flop—fifth behind El Fabiolo, trailing by 12 lengths—stung like a whip crack. “He’s got Cheltenham doubters to silence,” Ed Nicholson said, his voice carrying the weight of a punter’s lament, noting Jonbon’s “allergic reaction” to Prestbury Park’s unforgiving stage.
Paul Kealy piled on the pressure: “He’s not delivered here when it counts—last year was a wake-up call.” Yet his recent Kempton Christmas Chase romp over Matata—winning by a commanding six lengths—sparked fresh hope. Nico de Boinville called it “a statement,” his grin wide as he recalled Jonbon’s late surge. At 11/10, Unibet’s boost reflects a flicker of punter faith—but the question gnaws: can he crack the Cheltenham code over 13 fences and 2 miles? The curse lingers, a shadow he must shake.
Henderson’s Defense: A Trainer’s Unshakable Faith
Nicky Henderson isn’t hearing the noise—he’s drowning it out with conviction. “He’s not allergic to Cheltenham—rubbish,” he snapped during the preview, his tone sharp as a blade. Reeling off Jonbon’s local stats—a Grade 1 Shloer Chase win in 2022 by three lengths and a near-miss second in the 2023 Arkle, beaten a neck by El Fabiolo—Henderson built his case: “He’s been second here, won here—he’s fine.” His eight Champion Hurdle wins lend gravitas—he’s silenced doubters before.
That Kempton masterclass—beating Found A Fifty by six lengths over 2 miles 4 furlongs—bolsters the argument. “He’s in top nick—Wednesday’s his day,” Henderson declared, eyeing the Champion Chase’s 2-mile test with a glint of defiance. “There’s no chinks—he’s peaking now,” he added, brushing off last year’s stumble as a blip. Jonbon’s his mission—a redemption shot to prove the skeptics wrong, a trainer’s faith forged in fire and turf.
A Record Under Scrutiny: Form Meets Pressure
Jonbon’s resume dazzles—nine wins from 12 starts, five Grade 1s in the bag, a chaser with pace and power. But Cheltenham’s spotlight magnifies every misstep, turning brilliance into a question mark. Tom Segal hedged: “He’s class—pure class—but he’s got to prove it here, where it matters.” Kealy countered: “Kempton’s not the festival—Marine Nationale’s the threat, not Matata.” That Irish rival at 7/1 looms large, yet Jonbon’s latest run—clocking a sub-40-second final furlong—showed “no chinks,” per Henderson. Watch that form in action:
Energumene (15/2) is fading, El Fabiolo’s out of the mix—the door’s ajar, but pressure’s on. “He’s got the tools—now use them,” Nicholson mused, the stakes razor-sharp. Jonbon must seize this shot—13 fences, one chance.
The Field’s Challenge: Rivals in Waiting
Wednesday’s Champion Chase isn’t a solo act—it’s a gauntlet of raiders and rivals. Marine Nationale, Barry Connell’s unbeaten ace at 7/1, brings Irish grit—Kealy fancies him: “He’s got gears Jonbon hasn’t faced—electric pace.” Banbridge (9/1), a Joseph O’Brien hope, thrives on good ground—forecasts hint at drying turf by midweek, boosting his King George form. “He’s a stayer with speed—dangerous,” Segal said, though he’s skeptical: “Jonbon’s too quick—Marine’s untested at this level.”
Gaelic Warrior (7/1), Willie Mullins’ wildcard, and Solness (10/1) add depth—Jennings grinned, “It’s a scrum—wide open.” Nicholson’s market leans British: “Jonbon’s holding firm at 11/10—punters trust him over the Irish.” Dive into Cheltenham betting at Unibet—non-runner no bet keeps the 2-mile, 13-fence dash a punter’s playground. “He’s got to be perfect—rivals won’t wait,” Kealy warned, the field a crucible for redemption.
The Redemption Shot: Ground, Gears, and Glory
Ground could tip the scales—soft early favors Marine Nationale’s stamina, drying conditions suit Jonbon’s blistering speed. “He loves a quick surface—perfect by Wednesday,” Henderson said, banking on a forecast shift from good-to-soft to good. Nico nodded: “He’s built for it—flies when it firms.” Unibet’s 11/10 boost, part of their non-runner no bet offer, sweetens the deal—Nicholson grinned, “He’s driving turnover—punters smell a comeback.”
Segal’s on board: “He’s the one if he brings Kempton form—dominant there.” Kealy’s torn: “It’s his shot—but Marine’s gears could nick it.” The 2-mile test demands precision—13 fences, no room for error. “He’s got the class—now show the guts,” Nicholson said, the market humming with anticipation. Wednesday’s verdict hinges on Jonbon’s stride—redemption or relapse, it’s all on the line.
Silence or Surrender: The Final Fence
Will Jonbon rewrite his Cheltenham tale? Henderson’s adamant: “He’ll do it—I’d be amazed if he doesn’t.” Nico echoed: “He’s ready—doubters will eat their words, mark it.” Segal wants flair: “A win here cements him—legacy stuff.” On March 12, 16:00, 2 miles of Prestbury Park turf and 13 fences settle the score—redemption or another footnote in a bittersweet saga.
Britain’s faithful see a king reborn—Jennings mused, “He’s their hope—crowd’ll roar him home.” Ireland’s raiders see a target—Kealy countered, “Marine’s the dark horse—could spoil it.” With Unibet’s 11/10, back him now—Jonbon’s redemption shot is live. “It’s his moment—silence the noise or fade,” Segal said, torn between form and faith. Can he claim his crown and quiet the skeptics—or will Cheltenham’s curse strike again?
