Round three of Il Etait Temps v Jonbon is on in the Grade 1 Clarence House Chase of 2026 from Ascot on Saturday, 17 January. This feature contest on the middle day of the Berkshire Winter Million also sees Gidleigh Park and Thistle Ask declared for the extended two-mile test.
At Sandown both in the spring and before Christmas, Il Etait Temps comprehensively beat the JP McManus owned brother of Douvan. The rivalry switches venues now with Jonbon bidding to defend the crown he landed at the expense of Energumene 12 months ago. The problem is the increased margin of victory from the Celebration Chase to the Tingle Creek posted by Il Etait Temps.
All of a sudden, Jonbon is the elder statesman of the two-mile division. As the oldest of four runners going for the Clarence House Chase in 2026, Nicky Henderson has his work cut out to land a record-extending eighth win in this main event. A new jockey in Harry Cobden takes the ride. The race always has the potential to shape Cheltenham odds for the Champion Chase come the Festival in March.
That’s despite the differences between Ascot and Prestbury Park. The Dublin Chase at Leopardstown apart, there are precious few chances for horses to lay markers down in the division now. Official BHA ratings have Il Etait Temps some 6lb clear of Jonbon with marked improver Thistle Ask and Gidleigh Park some way behind.
Those figures don’t always tell the full story, though. Downhill fences past the stands and on the way to Swinley Bottom can catch out even the most experienced steeplechasers. As with any two-mile race, getting into a good rhythm is essential here. With all that in mind, our experts profile the four runners going for Ascot glory in more detail.
Clarence House Chase 2026 Runners Guide
1. Gidleigh Park
- Age: 8
- Rating: 156
- Jockey: Bryan Carver
- Trainer: Harry Fry
- Form Figures: 1/1116/P12-2
- Notable Wins: None
Lightly-raced chaser that landed a Grade 2 for novices at last season’s Berkshire Winter Million at Windsor. Chased home Impaire Et Passe at Aintree over the same course and distance that Jonbon won on 24 hours later. No match for Jango Baie in the 1965 Chase here on reappearance, but clear runner-up latest. Still open to further progress, but in deep waters again.
2. Il Etait Temps
- Age:
- Rating: 172
- Jockey: Paul Townend
- Trainer: Willie Mullins
- Form Figures: 5/2354/12152/121311/1-11
- Notable Wins: 2025 Celebration Chase, 2025 Clonmel Oil Chase, 2025 Tingle Creek
Won his last five races with the four latest of those going right-handed. Confirmed superiority over Jonbon from the spring with an even more impressive Tingle Creek victory latest after landing reappearance at Clonmel. Irish master trainer landed this three times with a similar type in Un De Sceaux. Paul Townend comes over solely for this ride. Obvious leading chance.
3. Jonbon
- Age: 10
- Rating: 166
- Jockey: Harry Cobden
- Trainer: Nicky Henderson
- Form Figures: 11/11121/111211/11211/111212-22
- Notable Wins: 2023 & 2024 Celebration Chase, 2023 & 2024 Shloer Chase, 2023 & 2024 Tingle Creek, 2024 & 2025 Melling Chase, 2025 Clarence House Chase
Never finished out of the first two in his entire career. A model of consistency, but looking vulnerable now he’s a veteran. Connections change riders on him incoming McManus retained jockey Cobden replacing Nico de Boinville. That might not make much difference here, however, as the reigning champ has two fair and square defeats by Il Etait Temps from Sandown to try and avenge.
4. Thistle Ask
- Age: 9
- Rating: 158
- Jockey: Harry Skelton
- Trainer: Dan Skelton
- Form Figures: P862/4271/21-1111
- Notable Wins: 2025 Haldon Gold Cup, 2025 Desert Orchid Chase
Remarkable improvement since switching to the Skelton stable. In the handicapper’s opinion, he has made 43lbs of progress after a successful bow for the yard around Kelso, then landing a Wetherby Premier Handicap and two Grade 2 limited handicaps at Exeter and Kempton latest. All of these victories have been on a sound surface, however, so the midweek rain at Ascot dents his hopes of going in again.
Clarence House Chase 2026 Shortlist & Verdict
A short shortlist with just five initially entered and four declared. Despite an odds-on price on Cheltenham betting sites for his first visit to Ascot, it’s hard to get away from IL ETAIT TEMPS here. He’s bang in-form in his prime and softer going won’t be an issue for him. Il Etait Temps can confirm Sandown form with Jonbon, who is still clear second best.
Rain hitting the track before the Clarence House is an issue for the thriving Thistle Ask, whose bid for a six-timer may get stuck in the mud. The way Team Skelton race with him may set things up very nicely for Il Etait Temps, who often closes turning for home. Gidleigh Park has most to find on official figures, meanwhile, but should come forward for his reappearance.
