"This weather is driving us all insane" - Henderson hoping for rain as he readies his big guns

Like last year, Jonbon will kick off his campaign in the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham on Friday. Just three rivals have been declared to take on the hot-favourite - making it six years on the bounce that the Shloer has attracted a field of four runners or fewer.

Like many trainers, Henderson puts the small field sizes down to the ground. The UK is enduring an unseasonably dry autumn, making it difficult for trainers to unleash their top National Hunt performers.

“This weather is driving us all insane.” Henderson said. “You've got to think of everything, but Jon Pullin is top class and I was at Cheltenham last Wednesday when they were starting to water. I'm hoping with the watering done, it should be safe."

"Our advantage is the Shloer is on the Friday, which is probably going to be the slowest ground of the week because he will have to allow for it to dry out over Saturday and Sunday.”

Henderson reported that Jonbon is in rude health ahead of his reappearance. Many had expected Henderson to step his star up in distance this term, following his victory in the Melling Chase, but Nicky is adamant that Jonbon could still win the Champion Chase.

“He (Jonbon) had a gallop around Newbury and worked very well on Saturday. He schooled exceptionally well the previous Thursday and I couldn't be happier."

“You'd love to get Jonbon to a Champion Chase this season but let's face it, he didn't do much wrong last season and won three Grade 1s. What happened at Cheltenham was one of those things but there you go." 

“Jonbon is the same as Constitution Hill. They're both in great form and ready for their whole campaign. Let's hope we have a smoother run than last year.” 

Constitution Hill will head to Newbury for a gallop during their Coral Gold Cup meeting, ahead of his long-awaited return in the Fighting Fifth. Another who could stretch his legs at Newbury is Sir Gino, who was also entered in the Fighting Fifth, but Henderson is eyeing a novice chasing campaign for his star four-year-old.

"He's a big, strong, chasing-type of horse and there's a lot to be said for starting off over fences as a four-year-old because of the allowances," the six-time Champion Trainer said when asked about Sir Gino.

"We tried him a few weeks ago over a fence and he was just so good. He's a highly talented horse as a hurdler but what we saw the other day from him was extremely good. He looks like a chaser, he's a big boy."

"He's a two-mile horse. I suspect I'll eat my words by the end of the year but I'll be surprised if I do. It's all about pace and he's got bags of it. 

"I think we'll look at that race at Kempton which is over 2m2f which we used for Altior and Shishkin so we'll look to go to friendly quarters. We'll take it one step at a time but all being well the intention is to get to the Arkle.

"I think it'll be a good division as I think JP's (McManus) horse who won the Triumph (Majborough) is going novice chasing as a four-year-old as well."

Sir Gino is the general second-favourite for the 2025 Arkle Challenge Trophy, with Boylesports quoting odds of 6/1. Constitution Hill is the 6/4 favourite to win back his Champion Hurdle crown, with Boylesports also listing Jonbon as their 10/3 favourite for the 2025 Champion Chase.