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Jockey Harry Cobden has been ruled out of the ride on Jonbon for his new boss JP McManus in the BetMGM Clarence House Chase. The 27-year-old was assessed for concussion after a fall from the David Pipe-trained Neon Moon, who came down at the ninth fence in the 2m 5f handicap over fences.

Cobden was replaced by Brendan Powell on McManus-owned Thanksforthehelp, another horse from the Pipe yard, in the next event. Sky Sports Racing presenters then informed the public that Cobden would not be able to partner ten-time Grade One scorer Jonbon in the feature.

"We do have a jockey change," Alex Hammond told viewers. "James Bowen has just weighed out to ride Jonbon. Harry Cobden was stood down after a fall in the previous race.

"That's obviously going to take effect for the rest of the day. It's another great opportunity for James Bowen."

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Bowen was aboard Jonbon when he finished second in the 2024 running of the race, which was staged at Cheltenham. The ten-year-old gelding did not jump well and although he staged a late rally, was beaten a neck by Elixir De Nutz at short odds of 1-4.

"One man's loss is another man's gain," ex-rider and pundit Tom Scudamore said.

"James has ridden the horse before in the Clarence House when they had to move it to Cheltenham for the day. It was a disappointing day. But it's funny how life sometimes works itself out and I hope he will have a much happier experience on this occasion."

"When you get a call-up like this in many ways you don't have to think about it. You are excited to be asked and you just want to get on with it."

Earlier this week, Cobden was announced as the incoming retained rider for McManus in Britain and Ireland, replacing Mark Walsh.

"It's a privilege to have even been considered for the role," Cobden told Mirror Racing after picking up both legs of the two-mile novices' hurdle at Hereford aboard Loaded and Locked and Vol Royale.

"It's a real honour to follow in the footsteps of the likes of AP McCoy and have some great horses to ride."

Jonbon's usual jockey Nico de Boinville went to Haydock to successfully team up with fellow Henderson trainee Old Park Star, who is now favourite for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival.