It was a welcome return to the racecourse for All The Glory on Thursday afternoon as our accomplished Grade 2 winning mare made her seasonal reappearance at Fontwell, finishing third in the 14:19 (Class 3) Novices' Limited Handicap Chase over two miles and five and a half furlongs.

Trained by Jonjo and AJ O'Neill, All The Glory has already established herself as a talented and thoroughly admirable performer, with victories at Newbury, Musselburgh and Southwell among the highlights of her career. Now embarking on another Jumps campaign, Thursday's outing was an important opportunity to regain race fitness, gain further experience over fences and lay the foundations for the months ahead.

Partnered by Jonjo O'Neill Jr, All The Glory faced three rivals on ground officially described as good to soft, with the strongly fancied Double Powerful representing Neil Mulholland and Inca De Lafayette lining up for Paul Nicholls.

WATCH: Jonjo O'Neill Jr discuss his ride on All The Glory at Fontwell.

As the field set off, Jonjo was content to settle All The Glory towards the rear, allowing her to find a comfortable rhythm and negotiate the early fences without unnecessary pressure. With 16 fences to tackle around Fontwell's distinctive figure-of-eight circuit, this was a valuable test of both jumping and stamina, particularly for a mare returning from a summer break. Double Powerful was prominent throughout and maintained a strong gallop at the head of the field, with Inca De Lafayette and Glen To Glen also involved in the early exchanges.

All The Glory travelled within herself during the opening stages before finding the pace a little demanding as the race developed. However, she continued to respond to Jonjo's encouragement and made some headway after the third-last fence. With Glen To Glen unfortunately falling at the second-last, All The Glory moved into third and completed her round safely, gaining further experience over the larger obstacles.

Double Powerful ultimately justified favouritism, finishing six and a half lengths clear of Inca De Lafayette, with All The Glory taking third. For a first outing of the season, there was plenty to be satisfied with. This was never simply about the finishing position. All The Glory is an experienced mare with a proven record of success and Thursday provided an important opportunity to bring her back into competitive action, assess her jumping and begin building towards the more demanding assignments that may lie ahead.

All The Glory's credentials need little introduction. A Grade 2 winner at Newbury with a distinguished career over hurdles, she has already demonstrated her class, courage and ability at a high level. Now back over fences, the focus is on building race fitness, finding her rhythm and putting that experience to good use as she prepares for the challenges of the season ahead.

The best news of all? All The Glory has trotted up fit, sound and well this morning! Absolutely wonderful news for everyone who cares so much about this magnificent mare. Her wellbeing will always come first and to hear that she's come through her return in such fine shape is a huge boost. We couldn't be happier to have her back!