THE defection of Banbridge and Turners’ runner-up Notlongtillmay meant that the much-vaunted Jonbon (Nicky Henderson/Aidan Coleman) was sent off at the prohibitive odds of 2/11 for the Grade 1 Maghull Novices’ Chase, and he duly strolled home by 43 lengths from Marvel De Cerisy (Henry De Bromhead/Rachael Blackmore).

The race wasn’t entirely without incident, as Calico was booked for second spot – albeit around six lengths behind Jonbon – when crashing out in spectacular style at the final fence. Despite the lack of competition, Jonbon posted a smart time for the two-mile trip, and he remains a bright prospect, with a step up in trip promising to suit him well next season.

Calico had managed to give Jonbon a fright when the pair met at Warwick in February, and he’s shown since that there was no fluke about that effort, so also needs to be kept on side, albeit at a slightly less lofty level.