Steve Ryder delivers his full runners guide and betting tips for the Clarence House Chase.
Clarence House Chase
The Clarence House Chase is a Grade 1 Chase run at Ascot over 1m2f, which is set to be run at 3:30 on Saturday, 17th January this year.
Clarence House Chase Winners, Trends & Stats
Un De Sceaux won this race three years in a row between 2016 and 2018. Jonbon won the Tingle Creek Chase prior to this last season and was the eighth horse since 2009 to do that double.
· 12 of the previous 12 winners had at least 6 previous chase runs
· 12 of the previous 12 winners had at least 4 previous chase wins
· 11 of the previous 12 winners had at least 1 win that season
· 10 of the previous 12 winners were aged between 7 and 9
· 10 of the previous 12 winners won last time out
· 10 of the previous 12 winners had at least 1 previous win at the Grade 1 level
· 9 of the previous 12 winners were rated 160 or higher
· 9 of the previous 12 winners had at least 2 runs that season
Clarence House Chase Runners' Guide
GIDLEIGH PARK- HARRY FRY/ BRYAN CARVER
A high-class novice hurdler who beat Caldwell Potter in the Grade 2 Lightning Novices’ Chase at Windsor last season. He finished a close 2nd behind Impaire Et Passe at Aintree in the Grade 1 Manifesto Novices’ Chase before finishing 2nd behind Jango Baie at Ascot on his reappearance. This drop back in trip to 2 miles should suit him well.
IL ETAIT TEMPS – WILLIE MULLINS/ PAUL TOWNEND
Progressive eight-year-old who has won 7 of his 9 starts over fences, including his previous five. He proved that a 5 ½ length defeat of Jonbon in last season’s Celebration Chase to be no fluke when beating that rival by nine lengths in the Tingle Creek Chase this season. He looks the leading horse in this division with a rating of 172.
JONBON- NICKY HENDERSON/ TBC
Nicky Henderson trained a ten-year-old who has won a remarkable 18 races from 25 starts under rules. He has finished 2nd on all three of his previous starts and will need a return to Ascot to spark improved form to win this. He finished 2nd in this race in 2024 when it was run at Cheltenham before winning this last season by 6 ½ lengths.
JPR ONE- JOE TIZZARD/ BRENDAN POWELL
Beat Djelo in the Haldon Gold Cup on his reappearance last season but struggled in graded company on his subsequent starts. He has placed in all three of his starts this season in handicap company but needs to show improved form back into this Grade 1.
THISTLE ASK- DAN SKELTON/ HARRY SKELTON
The nine-year-old who joined Dan Skelton at the start of this season rated only 115. He has won all four of his starts this season by over 7 lengths and has improved 43lbs in the ratings up to a mark of 158. He is a bold jumping, front running chaser, but those tactics may not be as easy to adopt in this grade.
BresBet
Clarence House Chase Trainers To Watch
Nicky Henderson is the leading trainer in this race with seven victories. Big Matt (1996), Isio (2004), Tysou (2006), Sprinter Sacre (2013), Altior (2019), Shishkin (2022), and Jonbon (2025). Willie Mullins has won the race three times, all with Un De Sceaux between 2016 and 2018, with the 2017 renewal being run at Cheltenham instead.
Who is favourite to win the 2026 Clarence House Chase?
| Clarence House Chase Winner | Best Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Il Etait Temps | 8/13 | William Hill |
| Jonbon | 9/2 | bet365 |
| Thistle Ask | 11/2 | Sky Bet |
| Gidleigh Park | 8/1 | 888Sport |
| JPR One | 33/1 | Star Sports |
Last updated at 16:05, Monday 12th January. Find the full market HERE.
Betting Insights for the Clarence House Chase
It is slightly disappointing that only five runners remain entered for this race, but it looks like a good opportunity for IL ETAIT TEMPS (best priced at 8/13) to record a seventh Grade 1 success. It appears that he will run here rather than the Dublin Chase at the Dublin Racing Festival, and the race should be run to suit.
With Thistle Ask, Jonbon, and Gidleigh Park all likely to want to force a strong pace, Paul Townend should be able to stalk with rivals on the eight-year-old and pounce late. A rating of 172 puts him 6lbs clear of old foe Jonbon, and he is expected to confirm Tingle Creek Chase form and become the ninth horse since 2009 to do the Tingle Creek Chase and Clarence House Chase double.
Recommended Bet: IL ETAIT TEMPS 8/13 (1pt WIN)
