Nicky Henderson’s Jonbon bids to continue a fine season in the My Pension Expert Clarence House Chase at Cheltenham on Saturday.
The eight-year-old has won both starts this term, taking the Shloer Chase by nine and a half lengths ahead of Edwardstone on his seasonal debut in November.
He then went to Sandown for the Tingle Creek, beating the same rival again to claim a two-and-three-quarter-length victory on heavy ground.
Nico de Boinville took the ride on both occasions to deputise for Jonbon’s usual rider Aidan Coleman, who is out injured, but De Boinville himself is now on the sidelines and James Bowen has been called up in his absence.
The contest was scheduled to take place at Ascot last weekend but when the meeting was called off due to frost, Cheltenham became the alternative host, scuppering an anticipated clash with Willie Mullins’ El Fabiolo.
Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus, said: “Nicky is very happy with him and we’re hoping for a good run and that all goes well. We’re looking forward to him.
“It will be nice ground there and it can only be a benefit to him to get some more Cheltenham experience.
“James is riding really well and riding plenty of winners and we’re looking forward to seeing him riding him.”
Henderson added via his Unibet blog: “It is a job well done by the Jockey Club and the British Horseracing Authority to get this race restaged and we are very happy to be taking part.
“Unfortunately, it’s not the clash we all wanted with El Fabiolo, but Jonbon is there and in great form at home.
“James has done plenty of schooling on him, primarily because we had him on standby for Ascot in case Nico wasn’t back in time, but as it was the race was off anyway. Hopefully this will set him up nicely for the Festival.”
Jonbon will face four rivals, amongst them Gary Moore’s Editeur Du Gite – fourth behind him in the Shloer and the winner of the Desert Orchid last time out.
Elixir De Nutz, third in the Desert Orchid and the winner of the Haldon Gold Cup, is also running for Joe Tizzard and Freddie Gingell.
Richard Hobson’s Fugitif, winner of the December Gold Cup at the track, is set to be ridden by Gavin Sheehan as Dan Skelton’s Nube Negra completes the field.
Zimi Entertainment teams up with Supreme Ventures to revolutionize the Mouttet Mile
Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment has joined forces with Zimi Entertainment to infuse fresh, youthful energy into Jamaica’s iconic Mouttet Mile, creating a dynamic fusion of sports and entertainment.
The partnership, announced by Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL), aims to broaden the event's appeal by introducing vibrant elements to the experience, including the launch of the Zimi Seh Brunch. Known for its innovative, high-energy parties, Zimi Entertainment is set to transform race day into a cultural spectacle that merges tradition with trendsetting vibes.
Nicholas Mahfood, CEO of Zimi Entertainment, emphasized the significance of this collaboration:
"This partnership means a great deal to the Zimi team. We’ve worked hard over the years to grow our brand, and to now have the opportunity to partner with a powerhouse like Supreme Ventures is truly a rewarding feeling. We’re excited to work alongside them to bring the Mouttet Mile and the launch of Zimi Seh Brunch to life. This is just the beginning, and we hope to cultivate a long-term partnership that will allow us to fuse our creative reach and deliver some of the most unforgettable parties and events in Jamaica."
The Mouttet Mile, a highlight on Jamaica’s social and sporting calendar, will now boast curated entertainment designed to appeal to a younger, trendier audience while retaining its appeal for seasoned racegoers. This collaboration underscores a commitment to innovation, with the event poised to become an even bigger celebration of Jamaican culture and lifestyle.
Kamal Powell, Head of Marketing at Supreme Ventures Limited, expressed his excitement about the new partnership:
"We’re thrilled to partner with Zimi, as it allows us to engage a younger demographic and inject some fresh energy into the Mouttet Mile. This collaboration also provides Zimi with a wonderful corporate partnership as they launch Zimi Seh Brunch, the first of many exciting events in the series. We look forward to the innovation and creativity that Zimi Entertainment will bring to the Mouttet Mile and Caymanas Track as a whole. It’s an exciting time for the entertainment industry in Jamaica."
This partnership not only marks an evolution for the Mouttet Mile but also signals a broader shift in how events like horse racing can connect with diverse audiences. With Zimi Entertainment at the helm of the entertainment experience, guests can expect a memorable blend of thrilling horse races, vibrant music, and immersive cultural festivities.
The collaboration promises to elevate the Mouttet Mile into a world-class event, blending the rich tradition of horse racing with cutting-edge entertainment to redefine Jamaica’s event landscape.
Caymanas Park to celebrate retired horses with historic raceday
In a groundbreaking initiative, Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL) has partnered with the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) to host the inaugural Thoroughbred Aftercare Raceday at Caymanas Park on Saturday, November 23. This historic event, the first of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean, underscores the racing industry's commitment to responsible practices and the welfare of retired racehorses.
The dedicated raceday represents a significant step toward formalizing the retirement process for Jamaica’s thoroughbreds. Chris Wills, Vice President of Administration at SVREL, expressed pride in the initiative.
“This raceday is of special significance to us and is sure to become a staple on our racing calendar,” said Wills. “It’s a testament to our commitment to the animals that are the heart of our sport. We’re proud to partner with the JRC in taking proactive steps to ensure the dignity and care of the horses beyond their racing careers.”
The Jamaica Racing Commission, which oversees the largest population of thoroughbred horses on the island, has long championed initiatives to support racehorse welfare. Dr. Simone Johnally, the Commission Veterinarian at the JRC, emphasized the importance of honoring these horses and providing for their well-being after their racing days are over.
“These beautiful creatures spend an average of eight years within the racing product but have a lifespan of up to 30 years and deserve to be honored and provided with the care and support they need throughout their lives,” Dr. Johnally said.
She highlighted the versatility of retired racehorses, which often transition into new roles such as outrider ponies, trail and pleasure riding companions, members of the Mounted Troop Police, or participants in equestrian sports like show jumping, dressage, and polo. Additionally, retired horses can contribute to agriculture, equine-assisted therapy, and even serve as blood donors for medical institutions.
In recognition of the organizations supporting this vital cause, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Raceday will feature nine races, each named after key partner organizations. This creative approach not only celebrates collaboration but also raises awareness of the importance of aftercare for retired racehorses.
The event marks a crucial moment for Jamaica’s racing industry, setting a precedent for responsible racing practices and ensuring that the animals at the heart of the sport are treated with dignity and care throughout their lives. With initiatives like this, Caymanas Park is poised to lead the way in promoting horse welfare across the region.
iPrint joins forces with SVREL as Billboard Advertising Partner for Mouttet Mile 2024
iPrint is the latest corporate entity to signal its support for 2024 Mouttet Mile by coming onboard as the official billboard advertising partner for the event.
The partnership will see iPrint amplifying the event’s visibility with a series of impactful promotional displays on its traditional and electronic billboards across Kingston and St. Catherine.
“We’re proud to welcome iPrint on board as our advertising partner for the Mouttet Mile. Their expertise in outdoor advertising brings significant visibility and will help to raise public awareness and excitement for the event. We know their placements will reach thousands of potential attendees and will increase the anticipation and excitement for Jamaica’s premier racing event across key areas in Kingston and St. Catherine,” Aswanda Stoddart, SVREL AVP Administration, said.
iPrint’s involvement demonstrates its commitment to supporting Jamaica’s vibrant sports and entertainment scene and aligns with the company’s dedication to innovative advertising solutions that engage the community and bring high-profile events to the forefront.
“The efforts of SVREL in organizing and delivering this exceptional event, which not only elevates the profile of sports in Jamaica but also garners global attention through live broadcasts, are truly commendable,” said Mark Haddad, Sales Director at iprint Group of Companies.
“Supporting the Mouttet Mile aligns perfectly with the vision of enhancing and showcasing Brand Jamaica on the world stage. By collaborating with this diverse and prestigious event, we have a unique opportunity to amplify Jamaica’s cultural and sporting legacy. It is only fitting that we pledge our continued support to ensure the sustained success of the Mouttet Mile for many years to come, further solidifying Jamaica’s reputation as a hub of excellence and innovation,” he added.
SVREL and iPrint look forward to a successful collaboration that brings even more excitement to this year’s Mouttet Mile set for December 7 at Caymanas Park.
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