Skip to content

Clarence House Chase: Ascot facing 4pm inspection with Jonbon and El Fabiolo clash in doubt

Temperatures dipped to -6C overnight at Ascot with a 4pm inspection called at the Berkshire circuit; Saturday's action includes a crunch meeting between Jonbon and El Fabiolo from the Nicky Henderson and Willie Mullins yards

Ascot remains frozen in places after temperatures of -6C overnight
Image: Ascot remains frozen in places after temperatures of -6C overnight

Saturday's BetMGM Clarence House Chase fixture at Ascot is already in major doubt after an inspection was called for 4pm this afternoon.

The Berkshire circuit is due to host a seven-race card, with the Grade One feature set to stage a mouthwatering rematch between old foes El Fabiolo and Jonbon after the top-class pair were both declared as part of a four-runner field on Thursday morning.

However, it appears increasingly unlikely the clash will take place this weekend after temperatures dipped even lower than forecast on Wednesday night.

Newbury joins Sky Sports Racing in 2024!
Newbury joins Sky Sports Racing in 2024!

The Sky Sports Racing family is growing with every race from Newbury, including the Lockinge and the Coral Gold Cup, all live on the channel from 2024!

"We were expecting to get down to minus 4C last night, but we actually got down to minus 6C," said clerk of the course Chris Stickels.

"It's still colder than minus 2C now here and the forecast for tonight is for temperatures to get down to minus 4C.

"The course is frozen under the covers and with the forecast we've got, I would imagine we're going to be unable to race. There's nothing at this stage that gives me confidence."

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Stickels: Very little hope for Ascot due to frozen track
Ascot clerk Chris Stickels admitted the Clarence House Chase is in major doubt after freezing temperatures overnight.
Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 1:41
Loaded: 5.89%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 1:41
 
1x
Ascot clerk Chris Stickels admitted the Clarence House Chase is in major doubt after freezing temperatures overnight.

An inspection has also been called ahead of Saturday's meeting at Haydock, with officials set to check on conditions at 8am on Friday.

Also See:

Clerk of the course Kirkland Tellwright admits it is a "long shot" the card, which features the Sky Bet Peter Marsh Chase, will take place, but given a rise in temperatures is forecast on Friday, he will wait a little longer before making a final decision.

He said: "It's a long shot but we have got one eye on this thaw. "We will probably fail to race, but we think it's worth running with it a little bit longer in case that thaw comes a bit earlier than expected.

"We got to minus 7C last night so the majority of the track is frozen, including some areas under the covers, so we have a steep gradient to climb."