A strong winter National Hunt programme will take place at Ascot on Friday, 19 December 2025, featuring six competitive races across hurdles, novice chases, and a concluding bumper. The Ascot Race Cards 19 December will cover action from 12:40 PM through to 3:35 PM, with the afternoon built around a Grade 1 novice steeple chase supported by a series of well-balanced contests across varying distances.
The meeting will open with a conditional jockeys’ handicap hurdle before progressing through maiden and novice events, offering a mix of developing talent and proven performers. With consistent prize money and solid field depth, the card will reflect Ascot’s standing as a key winter venue for National Hunt racing.
12:40 PM – The Howden Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (Class 3)
Prize Money: £16,650 | Distance: 2m 5f 182y
The opening contest will see a competitive group of handicap hurdlers line up over an extended trip. Samuel Spade will be joined by Lord Snootie, Kapal Layar, Whatsupwithyou, Punta Del Este, Goodwin, and El Galactico. The race will place emphasis on stamina and accurate hurdling from an early stage of the afternoon.
1:15 PM – The Howden Maiden Hurdle Race (Class 3)
Prize Money: £15,000 | Distance: 2m 5f 182y
Several lightly raced runners will contest the maiden hurdle, each aiming to progress over timber. Big Ticket, Charlies Jetaway, Crystal Island, Definite Call, Dig Deep, Fury Lad, and Gaelic Pride will take part in a race expected to reward improvement and sound jumping technique.
1:50 PM – The Howden Novices’ Limited Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 3)
Prize Money: £20,650 | Distance: 2m 206y
The card will then move into novice chasing territory with a limited handicap over a sharp distance. Bluey, Stencil, Excelero, Vanderpoel, and Southoftheborder will contest a race where fluency at the fences and tactical positioning are likely to prove decisive.
2:25 PM – The Ascot Shop Handicap Hurdle Race (Class 4)
Prize Money: £15,650 | Distance: 1m 7f 182y
A shorter handicap hurdle will follow, bringing a change of pace to the programme. King William Rufus, Parramount, The Hardest Geezer, Let It Rain, Norman Fletcher, All In You, and Walkadina will line up in a tightly framed contest expected to suit adaptable and well-balanced hurdlers.
3:00 PM – The Howden Noel Novices’ Steeple Chase (Class 1)
Prize Money: £52,000 | Distance: 2m 2f 217y
The feature event on the Ascot Race will be the Grade 1 novice steeple chase. Steel Ally, Jax Junior, No Questions Asked, Personal Ambition, and Push The Button will contest a prestigious race that traditionally highlights emerging talent at the highest level. Jumping accuracy and controlled pace will be essential throughout.
3:35 PM – The King Edward VII Ascot Membership Open National Hunt Flat Race (Class 1)
Prize Money: £25,000 | Distance: 1m 7f 182y
The meeting will conclude with a bumper featuring several promising newcomers. Barrow Hill Lad, Bass Hunter, Black Eddy, Forthfactor, Indulto Rouge, Just For Dad, and Kampari will aim to make a positive first impression under racecourse conditions.
Overall, the programme will offer a structured and competitive afternoon of National Hunt racing, with each contest contributing to a well-balanced Ascot card.
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