With the winter chill easing just a little, the racing programme enjoyed a relatively smooth time last week. Unlike in the previous week, all of the major events went ahead, including the Grade 1 highlight of the Clarence House Chase. The market suggested the Ascot showpiece was at the mercy of Willie Mullins. However, with Il Etait Temps disappointing, the race reminded everyone why Jonbon is one of the most popular chasers in training.
Sticking with the Henderson yard, the Seven Barrows handler unleashed his latest Supreme Novices’ Hurdle contender on Saturday, as Old Park Star led a field of promising youngsters a merry dance at Haydock. Elsewhere, Harry Cobden had cause for celebration, as he landed one of the biggest jobs in racing.
Hollywood Harry the New McManus Number 1
The week opened with big news on the jockey front as Harry Cobden secured one of the most coveted jobs in the sport. Following in the footsteps of Sir AP McCoy and Barry Geraghty, Cobden has been confirmed as the new retained rider for powerful owner JP McManus. The man known as “Hollywood Harry,” thanks to his scene-stealing efforts in the Champions: Full Gallop documentary, will commence his role in May 2026.
Just one of many of Harry Cobden’s FANTASTIC rides ⬇️👏
What heights can the former Champion jockey reach with JP McManus? 🟢🟡 pic.twitter.com/T7OqXnLHxo
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) January 12, 2026
Cobden will fulfil the role of number one rider on both sides of the Irish Sea, seeing Mark Walsh take a step back. Having ridden a host of high-profile winners for McManus, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Champion Hurdle, Walsh has tasted considerable success in the green and gold. The apparent demotion of Walsh, who will turn 40 in March, is unlikely to be related to his own performance. Rather, the opportunity to secure the services of a younger jockey at the peak of his powers may have been too good to miss.
Currently occupying the number one spot at Paul Nicholls’ Ditcheat operation, Cobden is widely recognised as one of the most naturally gifted riders in the sport. Already the winner of 28 Grade 1s, those numbers may swell considerably, given the vast talent contained within the McManus squadron.
An 11th Grade 1 for the Magnificent Jonbon
While not yet officially in the role, Harry Cobden was due to make a high-profile appearance in the green and gold in Saturday afternoon’s Clarence House Chase from Ascot. With Nico de Boinville heading to Haydock, Cobden’s was the name alongside Jonbon in the £175,000 Grade 1 contest. Unfortunately for Cobden, he suffered an injury following a fall earlier on the card and relinquished his remaining mounts.
With Cobden sidelined, James Bowen picked up the spare ride on the 10-time Grade 1 winner. Bowen’s only previous ride aboard Jonbon came in the 2024 Clarence House Chase. In a race relocated to Cheltenham, Jonbon was sent off as the 1/4 favourite but could manage only second to the 22/1 chance Elixir De Nutz. Would the pair fare any better this time?
With the Willie Mullins-trained Il Etait Temps starting as the 2/5 market leader, expectations weren’t as high for the Jonbon as in 2024. However, with Il Etait Temps performing well below expectations before falling at the second last, and Gidleigh Park pulling up early, Jonbon was left with only Thistle Ask to beat. Dan Skelton’s rapid improver made a bold bid from the front but had no answers in the straight as Jonbon powered to an 11th Grade 1 success.
Despite his overall consistency, Jonbon is zero from three at the Cheltenham Festival. Having finished second in the 2022 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, the 2023 Arkle, and the 2025 Queen Mother Champion Chase, perhaps a step up in trip may see him go one better in 2026. A general 16/1 shot before the race, he shortened to a best price of 7/1 for the Ryanair Chase following his second Clarence House Chase victory.
Old Park the New Star on the Hurdling Scene
Around two hours before Jonbon entered the winners’ enclosure, one of his stablemates stole the show at Haydock. Formerly based at the yard of Paul Nicholls, Old Park Star failed to win in three bumper outings for the 14-time champion trainer. Having made the switch to Nicky Henderson in October 2025, he has emerged as a hurdler of considerable talent.
A perfect two from two ahead of the Sky Bet Supreme Trial Rossington Main Novices’ Hurdle, Old Park Star started as the 4/5 favourite in the Grade 2 event. Stepping up from Class 2 company, and facing the Listed winner Hurricane Pat, who had beaten him by five lengths in a bumper, this looked his toughest test to date.
However, if this was supposed to be difficult, nobody told Old Park Star. Sent straight into the lead by de Boinville, the six-year-old set about galloping his rivals into submission. Hurricane Pat attempted to challenge in the straight, only to see Old Park Star lengthen his stride and confirm himself a class apart. Four lengths ahead over the third last, he was fully 18 lengths clear at the line.
Already among the leading contenders for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, this effort saw Old Park Star installed as the clear market leader for the Cheltenham Festival opener. A best price of 7/2 soon after Saturday’s race, sustained support saw the son of Well Chose shorten to a general 9/4.
