Future plans for Jonbon remain open to discussion

A step up in trip remains under consideration for Jonbon following his defeat in the Tingle Creek.

Nicky Henderson’s crack two-miler proved no match for the Willie Mullins-trained Il Etait Temps when bidding for a third win in Sandown’s Grade One feature earlier this month, after which the Seven Barrows handler admitted his charge could now be in need of a sterner stamina test.

The JP McManus-owned Jonbon does not hold an entry in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, with Henderson saying he would be “very surprised” if he was to go straight from two miles to three miles, suggesting races over an intermediate trip would be considered.

Little over a week on, connections have not yet finalised plans for his next start, but the owner’s racing manager Frank Berry issued a positive update on his well-being, saying: “He’s come out of the race very good and Nicky is very happy with him since the race.

“I don’t know what he is thinking now. I’m sure it (stepping up in trip) will be considered. I can’t tell you where he goes, but he’s in good form and has come out of the race good.”