Il Etait Temps and Jonbon declared for Clarence House rematch

Il Etait Temps will face just three rivals in the BetMGM Clarence House Chase at Ascot on Saturday as he attempts to stretch his winning streak to six.

The last time Willie Mullins’ grey met with defeat was back in the 2024 Arkle when third behind stablemate Gaelic Warrior

He went on to win at Aintree that spring, turned the tables on Gaelic Warrior at Punchestown and then beat Jonbon in the Celebration Chase at Sandown last April after almost a year off the track.

This season he has looked imperious, with a comeback win at Clonmel followed by another defeat of Jonbon in the Tingle Creek back at Sandown last month.

Patrick Mullins, assistant to his father, told Sky Sports Racing: “If he turns up like he did in the Tingle Creek and in Sandown last April he should be very hard to beat, but I don’t think we’ve seen the best of Jonbon recently and the Skelton horse (Thistle Ask) has an air of intrigue about him as well.

“Our fella has been in great form since the Tingle Creek. Paul Townend worked him on Tuesday and was delighted with him.

“He looks as good as ever and looks like he’s just coming into his prime – he looks to be improving every season, he’s an incredible little horse that way.

“We’ve come out the wrong side of a few of these Clarence Houses, so it would be nice to come out the right side this time.”

Nicky Henderson will be hoping Jonbon can turn the tables on his return to Ascot, a course where he is unbeaten over hurdles and fences.

The 10-year-old will be partnered by Harry Cobden for the first time, with regular rider Nico de Boinville in action at Haydock ahead of Cobden taking over on the JP McManus horses full-time in May. Thistle Ask has been an absolute revelation since joining Dan Skelton and adds an intriguing element to the race.

Bought for £11,000, he won his first race for the yard off a mark of 115 and after four wins now finds himself rated 158 and in Grade One company.

Harry Fry ’s Gidleigh Park is no back number, either. He beat Caldwell Potter at Windsor this time last year before finishing a creditable second to Impaire Et Passe at Aintree, but on official ratings he needs to improve again.

JPR One was the only entry not declared.