Junpun wins back-to-back Clarence House Chase

Gunpone’s coach, Nicky Henderson, admitted he did not expect the 10-year-old to take victory heading into the Grade 1 final stage, but believes his stamina helped him.

Speaking to ITV, he said: “I came here thinking his record of not getting out of the top two was under significant threat. I was really fearful of that.”

“He was amazing. He was such an all-around enemy. He seemed to test them all. I thought he was beaten three times, but he kept going.”

“He was a very fast horse. Now he’s not as fast as he used to be, but his stamina is starting to improve. He’s got older legs, but he’s brave, and he jumps.”

“You should be proud of him. That was a brave boy to come and do that.”

However, he was unsure when asked whether Gunpone would now be a contender for the Cheltenham Chase champion.

“I would like to try it more [distances]But things always went wrong [when I have]“Henderson said.

Gidleigh Park pulled out with six fences remaining, but the fall of Il Etait Temps was an even greater shock.

Gray had beaten Gunpun, who was ridden by Paul Townend, in their previous two encounters.