A significant contest in the National Hunt racing calendar is set to unfold as Pic D'Orhy makes a bid for a third consecutive victory in the Betfair Ascot Chase. The French-bred gelding, a proven performer at the Berkshire track, will face a formidable challenge from Jonbon, a horse who recently secured his eleventh Grade One success. This event promises a compelling clash of top-tier talent, with implications for future championship races.
Event Overview
The Betfair Ascot Chase, a Grade One National Hunt race, is scheduled to take place at Ascot Racecourse. The race covers a distance of two miles and five furlongs. This year's renewal features a highly anticipated showdown between two prominent horses:
Pic D'Orhy: Trained by Paul Nicholls, Pic D'Orhy is the defending champion, seeking his third consecutive win in this race. He previously secured victories in this event in 2025 and 2024.
Jonbon: A charge of trainer Nicky Henderson, Jonbon is aiming for his twelfth Grade One victory. He recently won the Clarence House Chase at Ascot.
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The race is considered a key event in the lead-up to the Cheltenham Festival, acting as a trial for races like the Ryanair Chase.
Key Competitors and Their Recent Form
The field for the Betfair Ascot Chase includes several notable contenders, with Jonbon and Pic D'Orhy at the forefront.
Jonbon:
Recently won the Clarence House Chase at Ascot, his eleventh Grade One success.
This will be his first attempt at a distance beyond two and a half miles.
Is the current favorite with bookmakers for the Ascot Chase, generally priced around 8/15.
His trainer, Nicky Henderson, is focusing on his "A-team" preparations for the Cheltenham Festival.
Pic D'Orhy:
A dual winner of the Ascot Chase, seeking a hat-trick.
His trainer, Paul Nicholls, is hopeful he can repeat past successes.
He has shown a strong affinity for the Ascot track.
Was previously seen winning a Grade 2 race.
Edwardstone:
A ten-year-old veteran, trained by Alan King.
Won the Silviniaco Conti Chase at Kempton in January.
Has a history of competing against Jonbon.
His trainer acknowledges the significant challenge posed by Jonbon and Pic D'Orhy.
Race Entrants and Odds
As of recent reports, a field of eight horses has been entered for the Betfair Ascot Chase. The betting market reflects a clear hierarchy among the contenders:
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| Horse | Trainer | Odds (Paddy Power) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jonbon | Nicky Henderson | 1/2 | Seeking 12th Grade 1, stepping up in trip. |
| Pic D'Orhy | Paul Nicholls | 2/1 | Defending champion, aiming for third consecutive win. |
| Edwardstone | Alan King | 7/1 | Veteran winner, recent Kempton scorer. |
| Etalon | Dan Skelton | 25/1 | One of three entries for Dan Skelton. |
| Blow Your Wad | Gary & Josh Moore | 33/1 | |
| Classic Maestro | Jennie Candlish | 100/1 | |
| Heltenham | Dan Skelton | 100/1 | |
| Riskintheground | Dan Skelton | 100/1 |
Note: Odds are subject to change.
Strategic Considerations for Jonbon
Jonbon's participation in the Ascot Chase represents a significant step in his preparation for the Cheltenham Festival.
Step Up in Trip: This race marks Jonbon's first attempt at the two miles and five furlongs distance, a potential indicator for his target at Cheltenham, possibly the Ryanair Chase.
Trainer's Strategy: Nicky Henderson views this race as a crucial part of his team's readiness for the Cheltenham Festival, aiming to present a strong squad.
Recent Performance: Jonbon's victory in the Clarence House Chase demonstrated his class, though the race was described as "dramatic" and "grueling."
Pic D'Orhy's Quest for a Hat-Trick
Pic D'Orhy's pursuit of a third Ascot Chase title carries significant weight, particularly given his past successes at the venue.
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Course Specialist: His previous wins at Ascot suggest a strong affinity for the track's characteristics.
Challenging Field: Despite his proven record, he faces a highly-rated rival in Jonbon, making this his "sternest test of stamina to date over two miles and five furlongs."
Trainer's Confidence: Paul Nicholls, a seasoned trainer, will be relying on Pic D'Orhy's experience and capability.
Other Notable Contenders and Race Dynamics
While Jonbon and Pic D'Orhy dominate pre-race discussions, other horses could influence the outcome.
Edwardstone's Resilience: Edwardstone's victory at Kempton indicates he remains a competitive force, despite his age. His trainer's acknowledgment of the tougher opposition highlights the quality of the main contenders.
Dan Skelton's Trio: The presence of three horses from Dan Skelton's stable—Etalon, Heltenham, and Riskintheground—adds depth to the field, though they are considered outsiders according to current odds.
Potential for Surprise: Races of this caliber can often produce unexpected results, especially if conditions, such as a "likely testing ground," play a significant role.
Expert Commentary and Perspectives
The impending clash has generated considerable discussion among racing analysts and enthusiasts.
The "Clash of Titans" Narrative: Many observers are framing the race as a direct contest between Jonbon and Pic D'Orhy, emphasizing their respective strengths and recent performances.
Cheltenham Implications: The race is widely seen as a significant indicator of form and suitability for Cheltenham Festival targets, particularly the Ryanair Chase.
Assessing Jonbon's Stamina: A key question revolves around whether Jonbon can successfully navigate the longer distance of the Ascot Chase, a factor that could define his Festival prospects.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The Betfair Ascot Chase presents a compelling sporting narrative, with Pic D'Orhy aiming for an exceptional three-peat against a formidable Jonbon, who is looking to solidify his status with another Grade One victory and test his stamina over a new distance. The race is more than just a single event; it is a critical juncture for the season's top contenders, providing valuable insights into their readiness for the upcoming Cheltenham Festival. The performance of both lead horses, as well as any surprises from the supporting cast, will be closely scrutinized by trainers, owners, and fans alike as the championship season progresses.
Sources:
Sky Sports Racing: https://www.skysports.com/racing/news/12426/13506830/today-on-sky-sports-racing-ascot-lingfield-and-newcastle-feature-live-on-saturday (Published: 2 days ago)
Sky Racing World: https://www.skyracingworld.com/news/international/uk-ire-and-europe/2026-02-13/jonbon-to-face-five-in-ascot-chase/709090 (Published: 1 day ago)
GG.co.uk: https://gg.co.uk/news/features/ascot-chase-jonbon-pic-dorhy-clash-in-saturday-grade-1/ (Published: 2 days ago)
The Irish Field: https://www.theirishfield.ie/racing/news/news-jonbon-takes-on-pic-dorhy-in-betfair-chase-903587 (Published: 5 days ago)
Sporting Life: https://www.sportinglife.com/racing/news/jonbon-faces-seven-rivals-including-pic-dorhy-in-grade-1-ascot-chase/230275 (Published: 5 days ago)
Racing Post: https://www.racingpost.com/news/raceday-intel/will-jonbon-be-over-his-clarence-house-heroics-or-does-paul-nicholls-have-the-trump-card-again-with-pic-dorhy-a7POB9Y81TGG/ (Published: 1 day ago)
At The Races & Sky Sports Racing (Article 1): https://ascot.attheraces.com/news/2026/February/09/pic-d%27orhy-faces-potential-six-rivals-in-bid-for-ascot-chase-hat-trick (Published: 5 days ago)
At The Races & Sky Sports Racing (Article 2): https://jumps.attheraces.com/news/2026/February/08/jonbon-fit-and-firing-ahead-of-ascot-chase (Published: 6 days ago)
