When most racing fans think of Ascot Racecourse, the summer spectacular of the magnificent Royal Ascot Festival is likely the first thing which springs to mind. However, the action at the Berkshire venue doesn’t stop when the colder months set in. Far from it, as the excellent National Hunt track lays on a high-quality jumps programme. That is lit up by 11 contests rated at Listed level or above – including a trio of Grade 1 affairs.
December’s Long Walk Hurdle kicks off the top-tier action, followed by the prestigious Clarence House Chase in January. Last but not least, we have the thrilling Ascot Chase, which takes place on a Saturday afternoon in February each year. First held in 1995, the event has been run over a 2m5f trip since 2008, with 17 fences standing between the field and a share of the £165,000 prize money. Open to chasers aged five and older, the Ascot Chase boasts the names of legendary performers One Man, Monet’s Garden, Kauto Star, and Cue Card on an impressive roll of honour.
2024
- 1st - Pic D’Orhy 13/8, Jockey: Harry Cobden, Trainer: Paul Nicholls
- 2nd - L’Homme Presse 5/4F, Jockey: Charlie Deutsch, Trainer: Venetia Williams
- 3rd - Ahoy Senor 4/1, Jockey: Derek Fox, Trainer: Lucinda Russell
2023
- 1st - Shiskin 2/1, Jockey: Nico de Boinville, Trainer: Nicky Henderson
- 2nd -Pic D’Orhy 3/1, Jockey: Harry Cobden, Trainer: Paul Nicholls
- 3rd - Fakir D’oudairies 7/4F, Jockey: J J Slevin, Trainer: Joseph O’Brien
2022
- 1st - Fakir D’oudairies 9/4F, Jockey: Mark Walsh, Trainer: Joseph O’Brien
- 2nd - Two For Gold 25/1, Jockey: David Bass, Trainer: Kim Bailey
- 3rd - Fanion D’Estruval 9/2, Jockey: Charlie Deutsch, Trainer: Venetia Williams
2021
- 1st - Dashel Drasher 4/1, Jockey: Matt Griffiths, Trainer: Jeremy Scott
- 2nd - Master Tommytucker 7/2, Jockey: Daryl Jacob:, Trainer: Paul Nicholls
- 3rd - Bennys King 9/2, Jockey: Harry Skelton, Trainer: Dan Skelton
2020
- 1st - Riders Onthe Storm 7/2, Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies, Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies
- 2nd - Janika 9/1, Jockey: Daryl Jacob, Trainer: Nicky Henderson
- 3rd - Traffic Fluide 40/1, Jockey: Joshua Moore, Trainer: Gary Moore
2019
- 1st - Cyrname 3/1, Jockey: Harry Cobden, Trainer: Paul Nicholls
- 2nd - Waiting Patiently 11/8F, Jockey: Brian Hughes, Trainer: Ruth Jefferson
- 3rd - Fox Norton 6/1, Jockey: Robbie Power, Trainer: Colin Tizzard
2018
- 1st - Waiting Patiently 2/1F, Jockey: Brian Hughes, Trainer: Ruth Jefferson
- 2nd - Cue Card 9/1, Jockey: Paddy Brennan, Trainer: Colin Tizzard
- 3rd - Frodon 9/1, Jockey: Bryony Frost, Trainer: Paul Nicholls
2017
- 1st - Cue Card 4/9F, Jockey: Paddy Brennan, Trainer: Colin Tizzard
- 2nd - Shantou Flyer 22/1, Jockey: Adam Wedge, Trainer: Rebecca Curtis
- 3rd - Royal Regatta 11/1, Jockey: Richard Johnson, Trainer: Philip Hobbs
2016
- 1st - Silviniaco Conti 2/1F, Jockey: Noel Fehily, Trainer: Paul Nicholls
- 2nd - Dynaste 9/2, Jockey: Tom Scudamore, Trainer: David Pipe
- 3rd - Royal Regatta 9/1, Jockey: Tom O’Brien, Trainer: Philip Hobbs
2015
- 1st - Balder Succes 4/1, Jockey: Wayne Hutchinson, Trainer: Alan King
- 2nd - Ma Filleule 4/1, Jockey: Barry Geraghty, Trainer: Nicky Henderson
- 3rd - Ballycasey 3/1, Jockey: Ruby Walsh, Trainer: Willie Mullins