Peterborough Chase: Complete Guide

The Peterborough Chase was first run in 1969 as the Peterborough Handicap Chase. It received its current name in 1979 and was upgraded to Grade 2 status, recognising its place in the jumps calendar. The race has been a fixture of the Huntingdon calendar for over half a century.

A December Feature

The race is typically run in early December, positioning it as a useful prep for the Cheltenham Festival. Horses that run well in the Peterborough Chase often go on to bigger targets — the form has stood the test of time. The roll call of winners speaks to the race's standing.

Desert Orchid and Beyond

Desert Orchid won the Peterborough Chase in 1986, one of many highlights in the grey's remarkable career. Remittance Man, One Man, and Best Mate followed — all Cheltenham Festival winners. The race had established itself as a key date in the calendar.

Edredon Bleu's Dominance

Edredon Bleu won the Peterborough Chase four times in a row from 1998 to 2001 — a record that stands today. The Henrietta Knight-trained chaser was perfectly suited to Huntingdon's flat track, and his dominance helped cement the race's reputation. For the full story of Huntingdon's history, see our dedicated guide.

The Peterborough Chase has been won by some of jump racing's greatest names. Desert Orchid's victory in 1986 was one of many highlights in the grey's remarkable career. Remittance Man, the Queen Mother Champion Chase winner, triumphed at Huntingdon. One Man, the King George and Cheltenham Festival winner, also won the race. Best Mate, the three-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, added his name to the roll call in 2002.

Edredon Bleu's Four-Timer

Edredon Bleu's four consecutive wins from 1998 to 2001 remain the standout achievement. The Henrietta Knight-trained chaser was the archetypal Peterborough Chase horse: slick, fluent, and suited to the flat track. He would go on to win the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham in 2000.

Trainer Records

Nicky Henderson and Henrietta Knight have each trained eight winners of the Peterborough Chase — a testament to the race's appeal to top yards. The flat track suits the type of horse these trainers excel with: classy, fluent jumpers who can maintain a rhythm.

Modern Renewals

The Peterborough Chase continues to attract high-class fields. The race's December slot and Grade 2 status ensure it remains a key date in the calendar. For the betting angles that have emerged from these renewals, see the next section.

The Peterborough Chase is run over Huntingdon's flat, right-handed oval. The distance is approximately 2 miles 4 furlongs (2 miles, 3 furlongs and 189 yards) with 16 fences. The flat profile means it's a test of speed and jumping rather than stamina.

Track Characteristics

Huntingdon rewards slick, fluent jumpers. The flat track allows horses to maintain a rhythm, and the fences are generally fair. Big, dour stayers can find the course against them — the Peterborough Chase favours the type of horse that might go on to the Queen Mother Champion Chase or the Ryanair at Cheltenham.

What It Takes to Win

Winners tend to be chasers who can jump fluently and travel prominently. Course form is less critical than at some tracks — the flat oval doesn't have the quirks of Cheltenham or Sandown. But the right profile matters: slick, classy, fluent types excel. See the betting guide for more on track characteristics.

Conditions

The race is a conditions chase (Grade 2), so weights are assigned according to the conditions. The December timing means the ground is often good or good to soft. Huntingdon's well-drained layout holds up well in wet weather. For the full picture on the course, see the complete guide.

Favour Slick Types

The Peterborough Chase rewards fluent, slick jumpers. Look for horses that have shown form at similar tracks — Kempton, Sandown (on the flat courses), Wincanton. Big, dour stayers can find the track against them.

Trainer Angles

Nicky Henderson and Henrietta Knight have each trained eight winners. Their horses are often suited to the flat track — classy, fluent types. It's worth noting when they send runners to the Peterborough Chase; they clearly know what it takes.

Cheltenham Festival Form

Horses that have run well at the Cheltenham Festival — particularly in the Queen Mother Champion Chase or the Ryanair — can be worth a look when they drop in class. The reverse is also true: Peterborough Chase form often translates to Cheltenham.

Pace and Tactics

The flat track can produce a strong pace. Hold-up horses can win if the pace is genuine, but in general, prominent racers have the advantage. If the favourite is a hold-up horse in a small field with no obvious pace, be cautious. For the full betting guide, see our dedicated article.