The Grade 1 Celebration Chase is the final top level prize of the jumps season. It has been the domain of Jonbon since 2023, though he met with defeat in the race 12 months ago behind Il Etait Temps.
He is back again as a ten-year-old this season, but Joe Napier believes he is beatable in the Sandown contest.
2026 Celebration Chase Runners
Seven go to post, with Jonbon taking top billing as ever. He was once again a gallant runner-up at Cheltenham, but has still recorded two Grade 1s this season. Good ground over this trip surely asks more questions than would be desirable at this stage of his career, but you know what to expect from him. It could still be enough to repel this field.
Speaking of repelling, Thistle Ask will attempt to do that to the opposition from the front. Tremendously progressive this season, these conditions should be right up his street and he may take some catching.
Solness is no longer a tearaway front-runner, but will likely head the remainder behind Thistle Ask. This could set up ideally for him, as he stays 2m4f nowadays. That was demonstrated when a narrow second to Grey Dawning in the Melling Chase at Aintree. Given he skipped Cheltenham, he should still be fully fit and is a big danger.
Mirabad is fascinating of the remaining contenders. He was a stunning 50/1 winner in Grade 1 company at Aintree two weeks back. The manner of his victory was no fluke and owed to new tactics, which could suit here. Three places would make him an interesting each-way bet.
Of the rest, the veteran Edwardstone may enjoy his swansong here without threatening to win. JPR One has too often proven below top level now, while Brookie has been outclassed for the best part of a year in all company.
2026 Celebration Chase Racecard
14:55 Sandown
Goodbet365 Celebration Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)
- First Prize: £99662.5
- 1m 7f 99y
- Class 1
- 6 runners
- Win time: 3m 46s
11/1 (Won)
- Win: £13.90
- Place: £3.50
8/1
- Place: £3.00
5/4F
50/1
7/1
2/1
Non-runners
Jonbon
+o+e Betting Returns
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £76.00 |
| Straight Forecast | £82.80 |
| Trifecta | £174.90 |
Selections
Daily Mail:
JonbonD Express:
Jonbon2026 Celebration Chase Trends
- Seven of the last eight winners have been aged 7 or 8
- There have only been two Irish-trained winners, though one was last year
- Nicky Henderson has won the race seven times since 2011
- Only two ten-year-olds have ever won the race
2026 Celebration Chase Tips
2m on good ground is no longer a recipe for success for Jonbon. As ever, he should give his running, but there are more natural horses at this distance. Thistle Ask may well be difficult to peg back from the front. However, Solness ran a belter in the Melling Chase at Aintree and should still prove sharp enough over this distance. He has won a 2m1f Grade 1 at Leopardstown this season and skipped Cheltenham, so should remain fully fit. Where three places are available, Mirabad is interesting too.
FAQs
When and where is the Celebration Chase run?
The Celebration Chase will take place at Sandown racecourse on Saturday 25 April, 2026 at 2.55pm.
How can I watch the Celebration Chase on Saturday?
The Celebration Chase is live on ITV at 2.55pm on Saturday.
When were the Celebration Chase tips published?
The tips for the Celebration Chase were published at 1.38pm on Friday 24 April.
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