Founder & Editor · Last reviewed 2026-03-02
The Premier Chase is a Listed staying chase run at Kelso Racecourse on Premier Raceday — the same card as the Morebattle Hurdle. The race is run just short of three miles and attracts quality chasers from across Britain and Ireland. It's one of the feature races on Kelso's most valuable meeting of the year.
What makes the Premier Chase compelling is the combination of quality and the course. The track at Kelso is left-handed and galloping — a fair test of jumping and stamina. The race sits alongside the Morebattle Hurdle and the Premier Kelso Hurdle on a card that can feature combined prize money exceeding £330,000. Premier Raceday is one of the highlights of the Scottish jumps calendar.
The Premier Chase favours stayers. The flat track and long run-in reward horses that can sustain a rhythm over the trip. Course form often translates well. The betting guide has more on the key angles.
This guide covers the history, great winners, the course and conditions, and betting angles. For broader context, see the complete guide.
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History of the Premier Chase
The Premier Chase has established itself as a key fixture on Kelso Racecourse's Premier Raceday. The Listed contest sits alongside the Morebattle Hurdle — Scotland's most valuable hurdle race — and the Premier Kelso Hurdle on a card that attracts quality fields from across Britain and Ireland.
Premier Raceday
Premier Raceday — bet365 Morebattle Hurdle Day — is Kelso's most valuable meeting. The card typically features a competitive 7-race programme with combined prize money exceeding £330,000. The Premier Chase adds a staying chase dimension to a day that is otherwise dominated by hurdle races. The race attracts chasers that are building towards the Cheltenham Festival or the Grand National, or simply looking for a valuable Listed contest.
The Format
The Premier Chase is run just short of three miles. It's a Listed race, which means it attracts a higher class of horse than a standard handicap. The conditions favour stayers — the flat, galloping track at Kelso rewards horses that can sustain a rhythm over the trip. The form from the race is often informative for bigger meetings.
A Scottish Stayer's Test
The Premier Chase has become a recognised test for staying chasers in the north. The race sits in the calendar at a time when trainers are preparing their horses for the Festival and Aintree. The complete guide has more on Kelso's place in the Scottish racing scene.
Great Winners & Memorable Renewals
The Premier Chase has produced its share of memorable renewals. The Listed contest attracts quality chasers, and the form from the race often translates to bigger meetings. Here are a few themes that have emerged.
Stayer's Race
The Premier Chase is run just short of three miles. The flat, galloping track at Kelso favours stayers, and the race often goes to horses that have proven they stay the trip. The betting guide has more on the key angles. Form from Perth, Ayr, and other galloping tracks often translates.
Scottish Success
Scottish trainers have a strong record in the Premier Chase. The course is on their doorstep, and they know the track. When a local yard has a fancied runner, it's worth taking seriously. The race is part of Premier Raceday — a day that the Borders community embraces.
Stepping Stone
The Premier Chase has been a stepping stone for horses targeting the Cheltenham Festival or the Grand National. The race offers a valuable Listed opportunity at a time when trainers are fine-tuning their staying chasers. The form from Kelso is often reliable.
The Card
The Premier Chase sits on the same card as the Morebattle Hurdle — Scotland's most valuable hurdle race. Together, they make Premier Raceday one of the most competitive fixtures in Scottish jumping. The day out guide has tips for visitors.
The Course & Conditions
The Premier Chase is run just short of three miles on the left-handed, galloping track at Kelso Racecourse. The course is generally flat, with no sharp bends or dramatic undulations. That makes it a fair test of jumping and stamina — the best horse often wins.
Track Characteristics
The track suits galloping types and stayers. The fences are well maintained and generally fair. Slick, accurate jumpers tend to do well. The long run-in means late challenges are possible. For a deeper look at the layout, see the complete guide.
Going and Conditions
The race is typically run in early March, when the ground can be good to soft or soft. Rain is common in the Borders at that time of year, and the going can ride testing. That favours stayers and horses that handle cut in the ground. It's worth checking the going report before the race. The betting guide has more on how conditions affect the racing.
Premier Raceday
The Premier Chase sits on Premier Raceday alongside the Morebattle Hurdle and the Premier Kelso Hurdle. The card typically features a competitive 7-race programme. The day out guide has tips for visitors.
Betting Angles & Trends
The Premier Chase rewards punters who focus on stamina, course form, and trainer intent. Here are the key angles to consider.
Stamina is Key
The race is run just short of three miles. The flat track and long run-in favour stayers. Horses that have proven they stay the distance tend to do well. Look for form over three miles or further at Kelso, Perth, Ayr, or similar galloping tracks. Lighter-framed types can struggle.
Course Form
Horses that have run well at Kelso before are worth a second look. The track is fair, and course form is a reliable guide. If a horse has won or placed at Kelso in the past, it's a positive. The betting guide has more on track characteristics.
Trainer Patterns
Scottish trainers have a strong record. When Lucinda Russell, Sandy Thomson, or another local yard has a fancied runner, they often have a plan. Similarly, when an English or Irish trainer targets the race, they're likely to have a horse that fits the profile. The Premier Chase is a Listed contest — trainer intent matters.
Going and Conditions
Match the horse to the ground. If the going is soft, favour stayers and mud-lovers. If it's good or good to soft, speedier types can come into their own. Check the going report on the day. The day out guide has tips for visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
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