Nicky Henderson has announced that Mark Walsh will take the ride on Jonbon at Sandown this weekend. The trainer will be without stable jockey Nico de Boinville, who is currently recovering from a fall at Plumpton on Easter Monday.
De Boinville was kicked in the back by As The Fella Says when the pair fell at the first flight. He was rushed to hospital and has since returned home, where he will rest whilst he recovers from his injuries.
As a result, Henderson has been forced to turn to some alternative jockeys as he gears up for several big races. The 74-year-old sends a strong hand to the jumps season finale at Sandown, with Lucky Place and Kientzheim among his entries.
Jonbon will also bid to win his third Celebration Chase on Saturday, and Henderson has announced that Walsh will travel over from Ireland to take the ride. He is JP McManus’ No.1 jockey and therefore the owner has opted for a familiar face in the saddle.
Explaining the decision to Unibet, Henderson said: “We do have to make riding plans for our horses and Mark Walsh will come over to Sandown Park on Saturday to ride Jonbon.”
The British trainer went on to reveal that Constitution Hill could head to the Punchestown Festival later this month as he bids to bounce back from consecutive falls at Cheltenham and Aintree. Henderson’s stable star will gallop with jockey James Bowen later this week before a definitive decision is made on whether the gelding will head to Ireland.
He added: “Constitution Hill has an important gallop on Friday and he will be partnered by James Bowen. If that goes well they will school together over the weekend and if we get a double green light so to speak then we can all head over to Punchestown. Everything hinges on how this weekend goes.
“Lulamba is in great form and could also head over. It’s a brave shout but I’m very happy with him and James would also take the ride if we line up.” Lulamba finished a valiant second in the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival behind 100/1 shot Poniros and was set to race at Aintree before being pulled due to the ground.