Jonbon & Marine Nationale 7/1 for 2026 Champion Chase after Mixed Fortunes in 2025
Craig Jones 
A thrilling Champion Chase saw Marine Nationale land a powerful success, with favourite Jonbon disappointing after almost falling half way through the contest, and never really recovering after that.
This race often brings drama, and we saw plenty, but it was an exceptional performance from Marine Nationale, a horse who has been getting better and better with each chase run, and today, announced himself on the big stage.
He was supported into second favourite in the betting, so plenty of people will have been on board backing him for success.
We've got some excellent free bets and betting offers on show this week, with many brands going all out and putting a huge amount of focus on the Cheltenham Festival.
What's Next for Jonbon?
A disaster of a day for Jonbon, a horse that came here on the back of betting sites making him an odds on favourite to win this race.
He's been fantastic all season, but this is now the third time he's been aimed at Cheltenham and he's failed to win.
I don't expect the plan for 2026 will change, he will remain over two miles and fences, but should he turn up in 2026 at the Cheltenham Festival, then there's going to be even more questions asked of him.
2026 Champion Chase Odds
While there's many Cheltenham free bets out there for the 2025 meeting, and plenty of racing still to come, bookmakers do have a market ready for 2026, with some races priced up including the Champion Chase.
Sir Gino, who was favourite for the Arkle Chase until injury meant he withdrew, is the current market leader for the Champion Chase 2026. He's also trained by Nicky Henderson, while Majborough, who failed in the Arkle yesterday, is second best
Despite mixed fortunes this year, bookmakers have installed Marine Nationale and Jonbon at the same price for the 2026 renewal, both of them put in at odds of 7/1.
There's a long way to go, but the odds on Jonbon especially, highlight that bookmakers think Sir Gino is the star of the Henderson team at this distance.
