El Fabiolo potentially running at Ascot, pending weather conditions

El Fabiolo on Track for Ascot’s Clarence House Chase

Despite the wintry conditions in southern England, there is hope that the upcoming BetMGM Clarence House Chase at Ascot will go ahead as planned. The clash between Willie Mullins’ El Fabiolo and Nicky Henderson-trained Jonbon promises to be an exhilarating contest.

The rivalry between El Fabiolo and Jonbon stands at one win each and fans are eagerly anticipating their third meeting. However, if adverse weather forces a change of venue to Cheltenham, El Fabiolo is unlikely to participate due to logistical challenges.

Assistant trainer Patrick Mullins expressed optimism about heading to Ascot but acknowledged that the Dublin Racing Festival could be a more convenient alternative. Nevertheless, the team behind El Fabiolo seems determined to take part in this thrilling showdown against Jonbon.

Mullins compared the situation to a boxing trilogy, where both parties believe they have a good chance of victory. Although not naturally suited for sharp two-mile races over fences, El Fabiolo has his own style which has proven effective in previous outings.

An update on racecourse conditions revealed some areas frozen under covers with temperatures dropping below freezing point. However, conflicting forecasts provide hope of milder weather arriving before raceday.

About BetMGM Clarence House Chase

BetMGM Clarence House Chase is set to take place at Ascot Racecourse this Saturday amidst challenging winter conditions across southern England. The much-anticipated clash between El Fabiolo and Jonbon has grabbed the attention of racing enthusiasts.

The rivalry between these two talented horses is finely balanced, with each securing a victory in their previous encounters. Fans are eagerly awaiting this exciting showdown to determine the ultimate winner.

Potential Venue Change

If adverse weather conditions persist, there might be a need to relocate the BetMGM Clarence House Chase to Cheltenham Racecourse on the following weekend. However, it seems unlikely that El Fabiolo will make the journey if such a change occurs due to logistical constraints.

While some members of the team consider Dublin Racing Festival as an alternative option given its proximity and lucrative prize money, others are keen on participating at Ascot. The final decision rests with owners Willie Mullins, Simon Munir, and Isaac Souede.

A Thrilling Rivalry

This upcoming race marks an opportunity for both El Fabiolo and Jonbon to break their tie and claim supremacy over each other. Their previous meetings have showcased their exceptional skills and competitive spirit.

El Fabiolo’s assistant trainer Patrick Mullins believes his horse was unlucky in their last encounter at Aintree due to interference but emerged victorious against Jonbon at Cheltenham last year. This sets up an intense battle where both teams believe they have a strong chance of success.

Weather Conditions

The current freezing temperatures have posed challenges for track preparation at Ascot Racecourse. While significant improvements have been made under covers protecting shaded areas from frost formation, further harsh weather predictions remain a concern.

Nighttime temperatures plummeting as low as minus 5C call for caution regarding race feasibility. However, conflicting forecasts provide hope that milder conditions will prevail before the scheduled event. Updates on weather conditions will continue to be monitored and shared with stakeholders in the lead-up to raceday.