ASCOT’S YEAR SET TO GET OFF TO A FLYING START

Ascot’s first meeting of 2016 is set to get off to a flying start this Saturday with the Clarence House Raceday, one of the most popular racedays of the Jumps season.

The day features the Grade 1 Sodexo Clarence House Steeple Chase, arguably Ascot’s best-loved race over the Jumps, with a prize fund of £125,000.

The race is always a vital stepping-stone to the Champion Chase at the , attracting the very best speed chasers in Europe, and never more so than this year as features among the eight entries.

Nicky Henderson’s brilliant two-miler used this event to return to action last season after being pulled up at Kempton in December 2013, after which he was diagnosed with a heart problem.

Heading the opposition is Challenge Trophy winner, , along with 2014 Clarence House winner, . 's Captain Conan is another possible runner and Felix Yonger could also represent ’ powerful Irish stable.

Ascot’s Clerk of The Course, Chris Stickels, said:

“The Sodexo looks particularly exciting this year. The ground is soft, heavy in places at the moment. The forecast is for the cold, frosty weather to remain until Thursday. Conditions are then expected to get milder for Friday and Saturday, with occasional showers then possible.”

Tickets for the Clarence House Chase Raceday on Saturday 23rd January start from £23.00 (for groups) and accompanied children under 18 years of age gain free entry at all Ascot meetings. To book or for further information, please call 0844 346 3000 or visit www.ascot.co.uk

Ends

Press Release: 18th January 2016

For further information and images, please contact Ashley Morton-Hunte, Press Officer, on: [email protected], 01344 878508