'An absolute gem of a contest' - Leighton Aspell with his big-race verdict

The dual Grand National-winning rider analyses a memorable Clarence House Chase

What a race! We were treated to an absolute gem of a contest with the two best two-mile chasers, rated just 1lb apart, arriving at Ascot unbeaten and race-fit after hiccup-free preparations.

We knew we were in for a truly run race and a potential duel for the lead between First Flow and Energumene – but Paul Townend headed that off by being so sharply away from the tapes.

That put the other jockeys on the back foot and by the time they reached the first fence they had almost accepted their position. Round one to Paul!

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Published on 23 January 2022inFeatures

Last updated 18:11, 23 January 2022

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