6/1 favourite for the Fred Winter! 🚨 pic.twitter.com/TDQJzWLT56
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) January 17, 2026
WOW! Winston Junior wins on the bridle at @Ascot under @CobdenHarry! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/b7J1bVIftZ
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) January 17, 2026
Clarence House Chase day at Ascot was defined by elite rivalry at the top of the card and a confident opening success for Harry Cobden, as Il Etait Temps and Jonbon dominated the headlines, following an earlier victory for the rider aboard Winston Junior.
Winston Junior Delivers Early Momentum
The afternoon began with a decisive performance in the BetMGM Juvenile Hurdle, where Winston Junior recorded his first career success at the third attempt. Having finished runner-up on his previous two starts, the four-year-old was sent straight to the front under Harry Cobden and never relinquished control.
The even-money favourite jumped fluently throughout and was rarely asked to extend, coming home three and three-quarter lengths clear after a measured and uncomplicated ride. The manner of the victory, achieved without pressure, underlined the gelding’s progress.
Trainer Faye Bramley later highlighted the importance of simplicity in the approach, noting that his jumping and settling had been key factors in the breakthrough performance.
The Clarence House: Il Etait Temps Over Jonbon
The feature race centred on the eagerly anticipated clash between Il Etait Temps and Jonbon, a contest run at a strong and sustained pace that quickly developed into the expected head-to-head.
Il Etait Temps proved the stronger at the decisive stage, asserting late on to deny Jonbon and emerge on top in a race that carried significant weight within the two-mile chasing division. Jonbon again ran with credit, maintaining his position among the leading performers despite defeat.
The race also featured an upset element, with Thistle Ask outperforming market expectations, adding depth and competitiveness to a contest that lived up to its Grade 1 status.
A Defining Afternoon at Ascot
By the close of play, Ascot had delivered a clear narrative. A high-class outcome in the feature race, an emerging supporting performance earlier on the card, and a reminder of the strength in depth within the division combined to shape Clarence House Chase day as a key moment in the mid-season calendar.
For Harry Cobden, the day began with precision and control and concluded with involvement at the very top level — a reflection of both opportunity taken and standards met on one of Ascot’s most significant afternoons.
