Eider Chase Odds

The Eider Chase is one of the premier staying handicap chases run in February at Newcastle racecourse. The marathon test at the north east venue is run over a shade over four miles, and it's race that can often be used as a springboard to the Grand National at Aintree in April.. You can find the latest odds for the 2020 Grand National Trial here a little closer to the time. 

Eider Chase Tips

A dour stayer is needed to win the Eider Chase at Newcastle, and with the race often taking place in testing conditions then it's only those with a big engine that can compete for glory. You can check out our best Eider Chase tips for the 2020 renewal back here in the days leading up to the race.

What is the Eider Chase?

The Eider Chase is a staying handicap chase run over four miles and 122 yards and takes place at Newcastle racecourse. With 25 fences to jump during the marathon test, the Eider Chase is one of the most gruelling races on the National Hunt calendar, and only the strongest stayers will complete the testing course. It's regarded as one of the most notable trials for the Grand National at Aintree and is one of the star contests at the north east venue.

First run in 1952, the Eider Chase has had to suffer with a plethora of abandoned renewals as because it's run in February there can often be a significant cold snap, which ultimately forces Newcastle to call the meeting off. However, it's still regarded as one of the most exciting races in the second half of the National Hunt calendar outside of the premier festivals, and it's a must-watch for those looking for Grand National clues.

With it being a handicap race then it can often see some proven stayers taking their chance, while some up-and-coming stars will step up in class to try and claim victory and look to enhance their Grand National chances at Aintree in April.

What happened in the 2019 Eider Chase ?

With the 2020 Eider Chase abandoned due to the wet weather the last running of the Eider Chase took place and it saw a field of 16 runners go to post, but there were only two runners that fought out the finish with the Caroline Bailey-trained Crosspark coming out a fine winner of the Newcastle marathon.

Heading to the final fence it was the Michael Scudamore-trained Mysteree, who was bidding for a second win in the race having been victorious in the 2017 renewal, and Crosspark that were the two in contention for victory.

However, it was Crosspark that just got on top in the closing stages under a power-packed ride by Jamie Moore to claim the victory at odds of 12/1, with Mysteree finishing a gallant second and Charlie Mann's Morney Wing back in third.

The history of the Eider Chase

Ever since Witty won the inaugural running of the race in 1952, the Grand National Trial has historically been one of the most competitive staying handicap chases on the National Hunt calendar.

Highland Wedding was a three-time winner of the race winning in 1966, 1967 and 1969 (1968 race was abandoned), so the Toby Balding-trained stayer is the most prolific winner of the race, while it's now been a breeding ground for potential Grand National contenders.

While many competing in this race may head to the Aintree showpiece as an outsider, it can often be a race used as a test outing for those trainers looking to see if their horse will stay the marathon trip at Aintree a few months later in the season.

Who is the most iconic winner of the Eider Chase?

There's no doubt the most iconic winner of the Eider Chase is the David Pipe-trained Comply Or Die, who stormed to an eight-length victory in the 2008 renewal at Newcastle.

The Pond House inmate then went on to become a National Hunt great just two months later as he bounded to victory in the 2008 Grand National at Aintree. He very nearly followed up that Grand National win in 2009, but came second to Mon Mome, but the Pipe-trained raider is still the only horse to achieve the Eider/Grand National double the same season.

Are there any trials for the Eider Chase?

Horses competing in the Eider Chase can come from a whole host of races, but the likes of the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby on Boxing Day and the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock Park can often be used as a stepping stone to the Eider Chase.

Who is the most successful jockey in the Eider Chase?

A host of jockeys have won the Eider Chase twice in their careers with the more recent riders being the abovementioned Timmy Murphy, who is one of those star names. Peter Niven (1995 & 1997) and multiple Cheltenham Festival winner Tom Scudamore (2007 & 2014) are another brace of National Hunt riders that have claimed victory in the saddle on two occasions.

Who is the most successful trainer in the Eider Chase?

Toby Balding is undoubtedly the most successful trainer in the Eider Chase, as not only did he saddled Highland Wedding to a trio of wins in the sixties, he also trained Lucky Vane to victory in the 1984 Eider Chase to enhance his fine record in the race.