A hugely competitive field will line up for the 2026 Grimthorpe Handicap Chase at Doncaster on Saturday 28 February. Thirteen horses are set to head to the 3m 2f start for the 2.30pm contest, with last year’s shock 33/1 winner Moroder looking to retain his title at a big price.

We preview the staying contest here, and our in-house tipster Steve Chambers picks out his big-race selection for the trappy betting heat this weekend.

2026 Grimthorpe Handicap Chase Runners

A winner of the race in 2023 and 2025, Moroder bids for the hat-trick. However, he’s shown very little on the track since his victory and despite a 5lbs lower mark this Saturday looks to be up against it. One heading to Town Moor in form is Dartmoor Pirate. Anthony Honeyball’s charge was last seen landing the Great Yorkshire Chase at Doncaster. Negatively, he has to defy a 5lbs rise for that win here.

Charlie Longsdon’s New Order was second that day and lines up off the same mark, so could be capable of turning that Great Yorkshire Chase form around. King’s Threshold is another in form runner having won the Mandarin at Newbury. He’s been given a hefty rise by the handicapper and off top weight has his work cut out.

Given a 7lbs rise for a win at Musselburgh last time out, Kelce is another that adds huge depth to the race, and is another heading into the race on the back of a win. Jasmin De Grugy adds more depth to the Honeyball charge, but was a faller at Cheltenham in January. Some Scope, Broomfields Cave and Jubilant are another leading triumvirate, who add more depth.

2026 Grimthorpe Handicap Chase Racecard

Grimthorpe Handicap Chase Trends

We take a look at all the key Grimthorpe Handicap Chase trends:

• Only 1 favourite has won in last 10 renewals
• 5 of the last 10 winners have been priced 18/1 or bigger
• Only 2 of the last 10 winners have carried more than 11st to victory
• 9 of the last 10 winners have been aged 8 or older

Grimthorpe Handicap Chase Tips

A wide open renewal sees a whole number of in-form contenders lining up in the 2026 Grimthorpe. However, whilst the likes of last-time out winners Kelce, King’s Threshold and Dartmoor Pirate all make appeal, it’s New Order that can strike gold. Beaten just over three lengths in the Great Yorkshire Chase last time out, he was off level weights with Dartmoor Pirate that day. Now receiving 5lbs off that rival, Charlie Longsdon’s charge can reverse the form and land the prize from Dartmoor Pirate, with Kelce back in third.

FAQs

When and where will the Grimthorpe Handicap Chase be run?

The Grimthorpe Handicap Chase will take place at Doncaster racecourse on Saturday 28 February, 2026 at 2.30pm.

How can I watch the Grimthorpe Handicap Chase on Saturday?

The Grimthorpe Handicap Chase will be shown live on ITV Racing at 2.30pm.

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 Grimthorpe Handicap Chase tips published?

The tips for the Grimthorpe Handicap Chase were published at 9.05am on Friday 27 February.

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