Ascot Chase Tips & Odds

The history of the Ascot Chase

The Ascot Chase is a staple of the national hunt calendar now but actually only has a relatively short history having only been first run in 1995.

Initially known as the Comet Chase, the race was run over a trip of just over two-miles-and-three-furlongs before being upped to its present distance in 2008.

The Ascot Chase is widely considered to be the best race of the season run over jumps at the famous Berkshire venue with an increasingly impressive list of winners being built over the past decade. Some of the best horses in training have won the race during their careers and we can once again expect another brilliant winner this season.

Who is the most iconic winner of the Ascot Chase?

The list of Ascot Chase winners is a sensational one with some of the legends of the sport crossing the line in front at the home of the Royal meeting.

One Man, Tiutchev, Cue Card, and Silviniaco Conti are just four of the names to take note of on the roll of honour but none of those can compare with the most famous winner.

Kauto Star was best known for his five King George wins and his two gold Cup successes but he was a versatile horse who could drop in trip and still win as he showed when winning the Ascot Chase with some ease back in 2008. The Paul Nicholls trained horse built a glittering CV and that included his win in Berkshire which to this day is remembered by those at the venue.

Are there any trials for the Ascot Chase?

The Ascot Chase attracts a wide array of runners who are expected to head to Cheltenham for the Ryanair Chase or the Gold Cup meaning there are no set trials.

Punters can however get an idea of potential runners by looking at the 1965 Chase which is a Grade Two run over the same course and distance each November. The George on Boxing Day is also an option for horses on that route towards the Ascot Chase with Cur Card a great example of that before his two wins in the February contest.

Who is the most successful jockey in the Ascot Chase?

A number of star jockeys have won the Ascot Chase but none can match Barry Geraghty who has won the contest three times during his stellar career. Geraghty has won the race on Monet's Garden (2010) and Riverside Theatre (2011 + 2012).

Who is the most successful trainer in the Ascot Chase?

Martin Pipe made a career out of mopping up the biggest races in the sport and that was certainly the case in the Ascot Chase. Pipe won the race four times with Tresor de Mai (2002), Tiutchev (2003), Our Vic (2006) and It Takes Time (2005) all scoring for the famous trainer.