However, today was a different story as Jingko Blue displayed excellent jumping technique. Despite the strong challenge from 11/8 favorite Jagwar
Jingko Blue made an impressive start to his chasing career under Nico de Boinville, claiming victory in the 2025 Uttoxeter Annual Membership Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase, where he faced four competitors. His last outing saw him pulled up in the Grade One Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, during a difficult time for the stable due to ill health.
However, today was a different story as Jingko Blue displayed excellent jumping technique. Despite the strong challenge from 11/8 favorite Jagwar as they neared the final fence, a mistake from the latter allowed Jingko Blue to pull away and extend his lead, ultimately winning by a comfortable margin of nine and a half lengths.
Trainer Nicky Henderson was thrilled with the performance. “I loved that, I was very, very pleased with that. He was great,” Henderson said. “He’s a good horse, and that was a solid performance, especially for his first time out. He was excellent.”
Henderson also praised the horse's adaptability, noting that the ground was no issue for him. “He handles soft ground well. He’s not the biggest horse, but he’s very smart and a clever jumper,” he added.
Looking ahead, Henderson discussed future plans for the five-year-old. “We’re fortunate to have so many good novice chasers this season. We have a strong team, so we’ll have to see how the rest of them perform this week before making decisions on where to send them next."
Owner Tony Barney also has another promising novice, Jango Baie, who was originally planned to run at Aintree this Saturday but will now head to Cheltenham on Friday, where he will compete against Peaky Boy. “With so many promising novices, it’s becoming quite tricky to map out their routes,” Henderson said.
As for whether Jingko Blue could tackle a longer trip, Henderson remained uncertain, “Would he get three miles? I’m not sure, but we won’t see him again until the New Year. This race was very competitive, and I’m delighted with how he ran.”
Reflecting on the win, Henderson added, “It was a brilliant way to celebrate my birthday. Watching that was a real pleasure.”
