Only four horses will contest the Grade 2 Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham on Festival Trials Day on Saturday 24 January. One of the premier UK trials for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Dan Skelton’s Grey Dawning will be looking to book his place in the Gold Cup with a win here, and he’s a red-hot favourite. We take a look at the quartet of contenders, as well as looking at the vital stats and trends, before picking our 1-2-3 for the big race.
2026 Cotswold Chase Runners
A look at the four runners for the Cotswold Chase, which is worth over £71k to winner:
- 1. Grey Dawning – Harry Skelton
A winner of the Turners Novices’ Chase at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival, Grey Dawning has been a regular at the top table in staying chases, and having finished runner-up in the 2024 Betfair Chase at Haydock Park, he went one better in the 2025 renewal when he stormed to an emphatic victory over Royale Pagaille in that contest back in November. Around a 12/1 shot for the Cheltenham Gold Cup before Saturday’s event, he’s a real class act on his day and is regarded as one of the leading chasers in the country.
- 2. L’Homme Presse – Charlie Deutsch
A three-quarters-of-a-length winner of this race last season, L’Homme Presse will be looking to replicate that victory over Stage Star on Saturday. The Venetia Williams-trained veteran is another with a Cheltenham Festival win on his CV having won the 2022 Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase, but he was unable to carry top weight to victory in a handicap chase at Cheltenham back in December, so a return to Graded company will put huge pressure on him.
- 3. Flooring Porter – Keith Donoghue
A dual winner of the Stayers’ Hurdle, Flooring Porter hasn’t been seen on the track since September 2024 when he bounded to victory in the Kerry National for Gavin Cromwell. Now an 11-year-old he’s shown down the years that he’s a really top class performer and can deliver on the big stage, but after such a length absence he’s going to come on leaps and bounds for the run. This is a huge ask for him, but with some decent prize money on offer then he’s sure to get a decent prep into him before a possible return to Cheltenham in March.
- 4. Spillane’s Tower – Jack Kennedy
His Grade 1 novice chase win at the Punchestown Festival back in 2024 was a career highlight for Spillane’s Tower, who has failed to kick on since that win. Beaten 22 lengths by Galopin Des Champs in the Punchestown Gold Cup at the end of April, he has been seen running over hurdles in his last two outings, but it’s over fences that will see him really sparkle. The youngest in the field and the one that could have some potential, he could well be the biggest threat to Grey Dawning, but does need to recapture some old form.
2026 Cotswold Chase Racecard
14:25 Cheltenham
SoftBetfair Cotswold Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race)
- First Prize: £71187.5
- 3m 1f 56y
- Class 1
- 4 runners
- Win time: 6m 50s
11/4 (Won)
- Win: £3.75
4/1
EvensF
8/1
+o+e Betting Returns
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £10.20 |
| Straight Forecast | £12.47 |
| Trifecta | £13.80 |
Selections
SPOTLIGHT:
Grey DawningThe Times:
Spillane’s TowerTOPSPEED:
L’Homme PresseThe Guardian:
Spillane’s TowerDaily Mail:
Spillane’s TowerD Express:
Spillane’s TowerRP RATINGS:
Grey DawningTelegraph:
Grey DawningDaily Mirror:
Grey DawningThe Sun:
Grey DawningDaily Record:
Grey DawningPOSTDATA:
L’Homme PresseThe Star:
L’Homme PresseCotswold Chase Trends
We pick out some of the most eye-catching trends and stats for the 2026 Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham.
Cotswold Chase Tips
Grey Dawning was superb when winning the Betfair Chase and he can dominate in similar fashion in Saturday’s Cotswold Chase. He may not make into a real Cheltenham Gold Cup contender, as there could be better staying chasers in the UK & Ireland, but he faces a poor field in this event and he should be able to dominate. Spillane’s Tower is the most exciting rival, and, if he can find his best then can be the biggest danger, whilst L’Homme Presse will run a solid race back in third.
FAQs
When and where will the Cotswold Chase be run?
The Cotswold Chase will take place at Cheltenham racecourse on Saturday 24 January, 2026 at 2.25pm.
How can I watch the Cotswold Chase on Saturday?
The Cotswold Chase will be shown live on ITV Racing at 2.25pm.
Who is Steve Chambers?
Steve Chambers is the editor for GG.co.uk and is a senior racing analyst, specialising in race previews, betting insight and feature coverage.
When were the Cotswold Chase tips published?
The tips for the Cotswold Chase were published at 12.15pm on Thursday 22 January.
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