In the heart of Windsor, the weekend’s racing spectacle was highlighted by the commanding performance of Jingko Blue as he kept his unbeaten streak alive over fences. Under the watchful eye of the seasoned trainer Nicky Henderson, this promising gelding took an impressive step towards the illustrious Cheltenham Festival, triumphing in the Hampton Novices’ Chase.
Nicky Henderson, renowned for his meticulous approach and sharp eye for talent, basked in the success of Jingko Blue. This victory, at Windsor, holds particular significance as it marks his first win on this course since jump racing resumed here. With Jonbon attaining Grade One status in the Clarence House Chase and Lulamba bolstering his status as a Triumph Hurdle favorite just a day earlier, the accolades for Henderson seemed endless.
Jingko Blue, a progeny of Great Pretender, began his fence journey at Uttoxeter a mere 40 days prior. Coming into Windsor’s three-mile challenge as a 4/9 favorite, his task was clear – to extend his unbeaten march. Despite a heart-stopping error at the final hurdle on the first circuit, Jingko Blue’s spirit remained undeterred. He maintained a strategic position behind Lowry’s Bar, who initially set the race tempo.
The race dynamics took a decisive turn when Lowry’s Bar faltered three fences from the finish, allowing Jingko Blue to seize an unchallenged lead. As he approached the penultimate fence and then met the final one with precision and stride, victory was assured. Jingko Blue surged forward, eventually clinching victory by a notable two and a quarter lengths, a moment of triumph that vividly painted Henderson’s first Windsor success since racing’s return.
With a practical assessment of the racing conditions, Henderson remarked, “It was a cold sort of race, hard in parts, but he showed great resilience. The ground doesn’t favor the more flashy ones, yet he rose above it.” His confidence in Jingko Blue’s ability to master the three-mile distance shines through as he plans the next steps in this young racer’s promising career.
Jingko Blue is now set on a path to the Grade Two Ebony Horse Club Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase at Ascot, with the grander goal of the Grade 1 Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham in sight. “We weren’t really prepared for today as we were waiting for the Reynoldstown,” Henderson admitted, highlighting the significance of this unplanned yet rewarding victory. After discussions with his trusted jockey Nico de Boinville, the road ahead seems clear for the talented racer.
Amidst the day’s captivating contests, Gavin Sheehan delivered a masterclass ride on Guard Duty, securing a win in the Winter Million Novices’ Handicap Hurdle. He tactically held back early on, timing his surge perfectly in the final stretches of the race. The 11/2 shot outpaced Hartington by four lengths, showcasing remarkable potential despite imperfections in jumping form.
Emma Lavelle, the driving force behind Guard Duty, praised Sheehan’s ride, saying, “Gavin gave him a lovely ride, showing everyone the potential he always had.” As echoed by the day’s events, the tenacity and capability displayed on race day is a testament to the immense dedication and skilled craftsmanship thriving in the horse racing world.
