Jonbon was not for beating as he overcame pre-race drama to grind out a famous victory in the BetMGM Clarence House Chase at Ascot.

Nicky Henderson’s star chaser was due to be partnered for the first time by owner JP McManus’ soon-to-be retained rider Harry Cobden, but a fall in an earlier race saw him dramatically miss out and it was James Bowen who was called up to deputise.

Dan Skelton’s remarkable bargain-buy Thistle Ask made the running, with the Irish raider and 2/5 favourite Il Etait Temps bringing up the rear as Jonbon travelled in mid division.

It was Jonbon and the Thistle Ask who did battle at the business end, with Il Etait Temps suffering what looked a tired fall (fine afterwards), and Jonbon rallying to edge into the lead for an eventual three-length win at 6/1 from Thistle Ask.

Jonbon received rapturous applause on his return to the winner’s enclosure and there were huge cheers, too, as the Willie Mullins-trained Il Etait Temps got to his feet after being treated on-course.