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Looking for the Chepstow and the best horse racing betting tips for today’s racing? You have come to the right place. We are covering on this page every best race including the ones at Chepstow with our horse racing betting experts predictions and best odds. Simply scroll down to find all our predictions and enjoy the day at racing at Chepstow. We have also highlighted the best offers so you can get the maximum value for your betting.
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Best Bet Rationale
The Virgin Bet Supports Safe Gambling Handicap Hurdle presents a fascinating puzzle on Soft ground at Doncaster, yet one contender presents a particularly robust profile amidst a field of mixed fortunes. Guard Duty, representing the Emma Lavelle stable, arrives with a compelling blend of recent consistency, proven ability under these conditions, and a yard operating at peak efficiency. Emma Lavelle is no stranger to success in this specific contest, having trained the winner of this race last year. That historical precedent is bolstered significantly by the stable’s current wellbeing; the yard has been operating at a remarkable 33% strike rate over the last 14 days. This surge in form suggests the team is firing on all cylinders at exactly the right moment. Furthermore, the partnership with jockey Ben Jones adds another layer of confidence. Jones is riding the crest of a wave, boasting a 31% strike rate in the past fortnight, a statistic that underlines the confidence flowing through the camp. Guard Duty himself has been nothing if not consistent this term. While he has yet to score this season, he has placed on both of his starts, demonstrating that he retains his ability and competitive edge. His record on Soft ground is encouraging, with a 50% strike rate, suggesting the underfoot conditions at Doncaster should pose no issues. In a race where several rivals have questions to answer regarding current form or fitness, his reliability is a key asset. Looking at the opposition, the dangers are present but come with caveats. Glynn Brae is a serious threat on paper, having won half of his eight starts over hurdles. However, he needs to bounce back from a disappointing effort last time out. Similarly, Fingal's Hill was in the form of his life between March and June, stringing together impressive results, but he returns here from a significant absence, and he may just need this outing to sharpen his fitness. At the other end of the age spectrum, the 11-year-old Dargiannini won on his reappearance at Uttoxeter but completely capitulated to be pulled up at Newbury subsequently, making him a risky proposition. Ginger Mail has struggled to find his top gear this season, and while his mark is becoming dangerous, he lacks the immediate spark shown by the selection. Smokeringinthedark put in a solid shift when runner-up at Musselburgh on New Year's Day and is lightly raced enough to improve, but he faces a formidable opponent in the Lavelle runner. Ultimately, Guard Duty combines the strongest current connections form with a solid, consistent profile on the track. With the stable looking to defend their crown in this race and the jockey in flying form, he looks the most convincing answer to this handicap. 18+ Only. Please gamble responsibly.
William Hill
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BetMGM
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Bet365
ine Casting to win — 1.20 Wetherby
Odds corrects at time of posting and subject to change; Stake Limits Might Apply; T&C’s Apply; #Ad Gamble Responsibly 18+ Only
Horse Racing Tips
Doncaster Horse Racing Tips: Friday, 23rd January 2026
Southwell Horse Racing Tips: Friday, 23rd January 2026
Dundalk Horse Racing Tips: Friday, 23rd January 2026
Chepstow Racecourse: Home of the Welsh Grand National & More
Set amidst the rolling hills of Piercefield Park in Monmouthshire, Chepstow Racecourse is one of the most storied venues in the Welsh sporting landscape. Since hosting its inaugural fixture in 1926 before a crowd of 20,000, Chepstow has grown into a dual-purpose track of national significance, most famously known as the host of the Welsh Grand National — a gruelling mid-winter test of stamina and jumping ability.
Course Layout & Track Characteristics
Flat Racing
- Direction: Left-handed
- Circuit Length: Approximately 2 miles
- Surface: Turf
- Undulations: Pronounced; not a galloping track in the traditional sense
- Run-in: 5 furlongs
- Straight Course: Used for races up to 1 mile
Despite its generous straight and overall length, Chepstow’s undulations dominate proceedings, meaning stamina plays a significant role even on better ground. Horses who have proven ability over a trip or on similarly testing courses (like Epsom, Beverley, or Hamilton) tend to fare better.
The straight mile is a notable feature and can ride quite tough in strong headwinds or soft ground, especially when the field splits and pace collapses late. It tends to suit handy types or those with experience of rolling tracks.
National Hunt Racing
- Direction: Left-handed
- Circuit Length: Just under 2 miles
- Undulating: Yes – significant rises and falls
- Chase Fences per Circuit: 11
- Home Straight: Around 5 furlongs with 5 fences
- Run-in: 250 yards
Chepstow’s jumps track is as brutal as it is beautiful. The five-furlong home straight climbs steeply, features five fences, and begins with a slight downhill run into the obstacles — a layout that often catches out tired horses and fading leaders.
The Welsh Grand National, held around the turn of the year, is the signature contest, almost always run in deep winter ground that magnifies the test of stamina. The track favours:
- Staying types with proven heavy ground form
- Bold-jumping front runners, particularly those able to lead into the home bend
- Horses with course form, as the track demands balance and experience
Those who turn for home in a good rhythm tend to finish strongest, though the final two fences often act as the race’s tipping point. The complexion of a race can change quickly here, especially in long-distance chases, and it’s common to see horses make up several lengths late if the leaders falter.
Key Races at Chepstow
- Welsh Grand National (Grade 3 Handicap Chase) – December
The standout contest of the year, it regularly attracts Cheltenham Festival hopefuls and Grand National trialists. Previous winners include Native River and Elegant Escape. - Persian War Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) – October
A key early-season pointer for top novices, often run on soft autumn ground. - Silver Trophy Handicap Hurdle (Listed) – October
Competitive staying handicap that serves as a stepping-stone to major winter hurdles.
Chepstow also plays host to season-opening jump fixtures in October, often marking the first serious test of the winter jumps campaign for top yards.
Tactical Betting Guide
- Flat Racing Tips:
Back horses with proven stamina even over middle distances. Agile, well-balanced runners are favoured due to the terrain. In races on the straight course, pace position is critical — look for those who can travel handily and quicken over a stiff final two furlongs. - National Hunt Tips:
On soft or heavy ground, assume only thorough stayers will be in contention late.
Front-runners or pace trackers are favoured in chases, but late closers can pounce if the pace collapses after the final bend.
Watch out for previous course winners — Chepstow is a rhythm-based track that rewards familiarity. - Trainer Trends:
- Welsh trainers often aim their better winter horses here.
- Paul Nicholls frequently targets the Persian War and Welsh Grand National card.
- Young horses having their first chase start here are worth noting — particularly if trained by powerful yards like Nicholls, Henderson, or Tizzard.
A Racecourse With Broad Appeal
Beyond its racing calendar, Chepstow has evolved into a modern venue for live music, conferences, and private events. Its location near the Severn Bridge ensures accessibility from both Wales and the West of England, while its scenic setting continues to charm punters and participants alike.
The racecourse has maintained the balance between historical legacy — pioneered by local aristocrats in the 1920s — and forward-looking operations. Its continual popularity is underpinned by its fair yet demanding layout, season-defining contests, and a loyal Welsh following that turns out in numbers for its premier fixtures.
