Following preparatory discussions throughout the week, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), Ascot Racecourse, BetVictor and the Jockey Club can confirm that the Victor Chandler Steeple Chase (Grade 1) has been transferred to Cheltenham next Saturday, January 26th, following the abandonment of Ascot’s BetVictor Day on Saturday, January 19th. The Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) has contributed £40,000 and Victor Chandler will provide £20,000 to the race, while Cheltenham have provided £10,000 bringing the total prize fund to £70,000.

Simon Claisse, Head of Racing and Clerk of the Course at Cheltenham Racecourse, said: “It is obviously disappointing that as a result of the bad weather Ascot has been forced to abandon Saturday’s fixture. However, we are pleased that the Grade 1 Victor Chandler Chase has been rescheduled to take place on Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham on Saturday 26th January. The race will make a great addition to an already extremely strong card and it is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved that the race has been rearranged promptly to safeguard this important race. We would like to thank Victor Chandler and the Levy Board in particular for their support.”

Karl Riley, Marketing Director, BetVictor added: ‘Whilst we are obviously disappointed to lose the Victor Chandler Chase to the weather, we are delighted to be offered the opportunity to save the race and run it as part of what promises to be a fantastic day’s racing at Cheltenham next Saturday. “I would like to extend a big thank you to all at Ascot, Cheltenham and the BHA for acting so swiftly and preserving our great race.”

The race will close at noon on Monday, January 21st.

A revised running order is shown below:

12:10 00525 The JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial (A Juvenile Hurdle Race) (Class 1) (Registered as The Finesse Juvenile Hurdle Race) (Grade 2)
12:40 00526 The Timeform Novices’ Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 2)
01:15 00523 The Murphy Group Steeple Chase (A Handicap) (Class 1) (Grade 3)
01:50 00528 The Victor Chandler Steeple Chase (Class 1) (Registered As The Clarence House Steeple Chase) (Grade 1)
02:25 00521 The Argento Steeple Chase (Class 1) (Registered As The Cotswold Steeple Chase) (Grade 2)
03:00 00524 The Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle Race (Class 1) (Registered as The Classic Novices’ Hurdle Race) (Grade 2)
03:35 00522 The Rewards4Racing Cleeve Hurdle Race (Class 1) (Grade 2)
04:10 00527 The Steel Plate And Sections Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 2)