Ascot Chase: Junpun beats Baek Durhi in a thriller

Gunpone broke Pic D’Orhy’s heart on Valentine’s Day to win the thrilling Ascot Chase and claim a Grade 12 victory.

The Nicky Henderson-trained Gunbon was pushed all the way by 2024 and 2025 winner Bec Dorhy, with the pair jumping in the final trip together.

Harry Cobden looked capable of leading the 5-2 chance Bec Dorhey to a third straight win, but Nico de Boinville pulled out all the stops on the 4-9 favorite to win by a length and a half.

Only two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Kauto Star (16) has more Grade 1 victories than Gunpone over fences.

“You have to be very brave to do what he did today because just four weeks ago he was having another big fight here [in winning the Clarence House Chase]“Henderson said.

“You’d like to think he can win one [at next month’s Cheltenham Festival] Because he deserves one, right?”

Jonbon and Pic D’Orhy were in a class apart in the strong field of six, with Blow Your Wad (33-1) coming home 14 lengths back in third.

Beck Durhy’s trainer, Paul Nicholls, said he was pleased with the performance, describing it as “one of his best races ever” despite the result.

Meanwhile, Grand Geste produced a strong late run to win the Grand National Trial Handicap Chase at Haydock.

Jockey Danny McMenamin held off the Sue Smith-trained gray until the closing stages, getting to the front after the final fence before going on to win by less than two lengths at 13-2.

Victory comes with a potential £500,000 bonus if Grand Geste goes on to win this year’s Grand National at Aintree.

Top of the Bill (22-1) finished second ahead of Neo King (16-1) and Deafening Silence (7-1), while heavily backed favorite Myretown (3-1) made all the early runs but was withdrawn after fading badly.