Energumene and Edwardstone handed rearranged Clarence House opportunity

Cheltenham next weekend will host clash of crack two-milers following Ascot abandonment.

The British Horseracing Authority has confirmed the Clarence House Chase will take place at Cheltenham next Saturday.

It is the third time since 2013 that Ascot, the race’s home, has been abandoned due to the weather and Cheltenham a week later has stepped into the breach to stage the race.

The BHA were keen to thank the Horserace Betting Levy Board for its contribution to the prize-money, with GBP 90,000 up for grabs.

Entries will revert to the early-closing stage, with confirmations made on Monday morning followed by declarations on Thursday.

Punters were looking forward to a clash between last year’s Champion Chase winner Energumene and the Arkle hero Edwardstone – and after connections of the former confirmed earlier in the week they were keen to run if the race was rearranged, Alan King joined suit.

He said: “We’ll go there, that’s the plan.

“If it hadn’t been rescheduled and then Newbury was off (Game Spirit Chase) then we really are in trouble.

“I’m very grateful they’ve put it back on and that will be the plan.”

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