Racing fans travelled to Esher hoping to catch a glimpse of National Hunt racing's best horse.
But Henderson withdrew the reigning champion hurdler from the Fighting Fifth, with heavy conditions delaying his return until Kempton on Boxing Day.
His absence set the stage for stablemate Jonbon to take a starring role - and the Betfair Tingle Creek Chase favourite did not disappoint.
Asked to assert at its final fence, Nico de Boinville's mount showed his class to pull two-and-three-quarter lengths ahead of Edwardstone, with long-time leader Haddex Des Obeaux in third.
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