You know how punters get lost in too much data or bet blindly? I break down the stats and trends so you can feel confident youâre betting with more than just gut instinct.
2026 Clipper Handicap Preview
The Clipper Handicap takes place on the second day of the York Ebor Festival in August of each year. The race is open to runners who are aged three or older and is run over a trip just shy of a mile (seven furlongs, one hundred and ninety-two yards).
Clipper Handicap Information:
We also have a dedicated York tips page that will cover this race as well as all of the other races on the day of the race. See which runners the OLBG racing tipsters are predicting to win this race and the others on the cards. You may also be interested in other preview blogs that we have packed full of information. Head down to the Other Principal Races at York Racecourse section for links to these.
Best Horse Racing Betting Sites 2025
How competitive is the Clipper Handicap market? When looking at the over-rounds for the last 20 renewals, the most competitive market was in 2010 when the race had an over-round of 119%. The race in 2023 was a race that was most in the bookie's favour with an over-round of 133%, whilst on average over the last 20 renewals of the Clipper Handicap, the over-round has been 129%, which means the bookie expects to pay out £100 for every £129 which is bet.
Below you will find the 2026 Clipper Handicap Trends. See which patterns have occurred over the recent renewals that you may be able to use for the next renewal. We also have a section that looks at the Clipper Handicap Trend Analysis.
These are the top three quickest-run Clipper Handicap races over the last 20 renewals:
- Blue For You (1:34.59) in 2022
- Ropey Guest (1:34.87) in 2023
- Thunder Run (1:35.90) in 2024
Looking at the future form, is the winner worth following next time out? Over the past 20 renewals, if you had followed the winner of the Clipper Handicap next time out, then you would have backed a total of 1 winner. Backing all 20 runners who have been out since their win at SP next time out would have returned an LSP of -18.09. Remember to bookmark the racing tips page to access the OLBG racing picks easily daily.
When looking over the past 20 renewals, a time of 1:34.59 was set by Blue For You in 2022, which is the quickest time over that period. The runner was trained by David O'Meara and ridden by Daniel Tudhope. The slowest winning time was set in 2017 when Flaming Spear won in a time of 1:41.27, booked to ride was Robert Winston by trainer Kevin Ryan.
Clipper Handicap Past Winners
Here are the Clipper Handicap past winners for the last 10 renewals. Each row details the year of the race, the horse which won, along with the age & weight of the horse. Also detailed is the stall where the horse came from and the total number of runners in the race. The horse's trainer and the jockey at the time of winning the Clipper Handicap are also displayed, along with the starting price at which the horse was sent off.
| Year | Horse (Drawn) | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 1:36.77 | Bullet Point (GB) 4yo 9-12 (3 of 17) 15/8F | Tom Marquand William Haggas (GB) |
| 2024 1:35.90 | Thunder Run (IRE) 3yo 8-9 (6 of 18) 6/1 | David Egan K R Burke (GB) |
| 2023 1:34.87 | Ropey Guest (GB) 6yo 9-2 (8 of 19) 40/1 | Tom Queally George Margarson (GB) |
| 2022 1:34.59 | Blue For You (IRE) 4yo 9-2 (1 of 18) 11/2F | Daniel Tudhope David O'Meara (GB) |
| 2021 1:36.03 | Cruyff Turn (GB) 4yo 9-1 (8 of 18) 28/1 | David Allan Tim Easterby (GB) |
| 2020 1:37.20 | Montatham (GB) 4yo 9-4 (2 of 17) 7/2 | Jim Crowley William Haggas (GB) |
| 2019 1:36.14 | Whats The Story (GB) 5yo 9-6 (14 of 18) 12/1 | Joe Fanning Keith Dalgleish (GB) |
| 2018 1:36.96 | Poets Society (GB) 4yo 9-0 (15 of 18) 20/1 | Frankie Dettori Mark Johnston (GB) |
| 2017 1:41.27 | Flaming Spear (IRE) 5yo 9-2 (4 of 17) 10/1 | Robert Winston Kevin Ryan (GB) |
| 2016 1:36.70 | Firmament (GB) 4yo 8-13 (1 of 20) 8/1 | Daniel Tudhope David O'Meara (GB) |
Where have the winning runners come from?
Here are the countries where the winning trainers of the Clipper Handicap have been based:
- GB: 20 winners with an additional 59 placings from 360 runners
- IRE: 0 winners with an additional 1 placing from 1 runner
2025 Clipper Handicap Replay
Clipper Handicap Trainer Statistics
There are two leading trainers in the Clipper Handicap over the last 20 renewals, with both David O'Meara and William Haggas, who have both won the race three times. David O'Meara winners have been with Mont Ras (2013), Firmament (2016) and Blue For You (2022). William Haggas winners have been with Roaring Forte (2009), Montatham (2020) and Bullet Point (2025). Two trainers have not had the best of times over the last 20 renewals in the Clipper Handicap. Richard Fahey has sent a total of 17 runners to the race without recording any wins, whilst Saeed bin Suroor has sent out 11 without a winner.
Here are some of the top Clipper Handicap trainer statistics over the last 20 renewals (R = Runners, W = Winners, P = Places including winners, Win LSP is based on 1pt Win and EW LSP is based on 0.5pt Win & 0.5pt Place):
| Trainer | R-W-P | Win | EW |
|---|---|---|---|
| David O'Meara | 62-3-14 | -20.50 | -9.56 |
| William Haggas | 16-3-3 | +0.38 | -4.63 |
| Tim Easterby | 10-1-1 | +19.00 | +8.50 |
| Kevin Ryan | 9-1-2 | +2.00 | +0.50 |
| David Simcock | 5-1-2 | +8.00 | +4.75 |
| K R Burke | 5-1-2 | +2.00 | +1.19 |
| Hugo Palmer | 4-1-2 | +5.00 | +3.75 |
| George Margarson | 3-1-2 | +38.00 | +26.63 |
| William Jarvis | 3-1-1 | +3.00 | +1.13 |
| Hughie Morrison | 2-1-1 | +19.00 | +11.50 |
Clipper Handicap Jockey Statistics
The leading jockey in the Clipper Handicap over the last 20 renewals is Daniel Tudhope, who has won the race two times, with those two winners coming from Firmament (2016) and Blue For You (2022). There is one jockey who has not had the best of times in the Clipper Handicap; Silvestre De Sousa has ridden 10 runners in the race without recording any wins.
Here are some of the top Clipper Handicap jockey statistics over the last 20 renewals (R = Runners, W = Winners, P = Places including winners, Win LSP is based on 1pt Win and EW LSP is based on 0.5pt Win & 0.5pt Place):
| Jockey | R-W-P | Win | EW |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Tudhope | 12-2-6 | +3.50 | +5.75 |
| Frankie Dettori | 10-1-3 | +11.00 | +7.25 |
| Joe Fanning | 10-1-3 | +3.00 | +1.88 |
| Jamie Spencer | 9-1-2 | +4.00 | +0.75 |
| William Buick | 9-1-1 | -3.00 | -4.87 |
| Tom Queally | 7-1-1 | +34.00 | +19.00 |
| Jim Crowley | 7-1-1 | -2.50 | -3.81 |
| David Allan | 6-1-1 | +23.00 | +12.50 |
| Tom Marquand | 5-1-1 | -2.12 | -2.82 |
| David Egan | 3-1-1 | +4.00 | +1.75 |
2026 Clipper Handicap Trends
Favourites finishing positions (oldest to latest): 4, 3, 1, 17, 12, 3, 8, 6, 4, 6, 2, (9, 14), (2, 4, 6), 3, 3, (3, 9), 1, (5, 14), 9, 1
The percentage shown is the percentage of the total number of runners who fell under that factor. High percentages are less appealing than lower ones, as you would expect them to do well.
- 20 / 20 (73%) - Not on HY/SFT/GS/FM/STD-SLW/STD-FS (Last Win)
- 20 / 20 (75%) - Fewer than 5 placings (Class)
- 20 / 20 (77%) - Fewer than 4 races (Course)
- 20 / 20 (79%) - Not in a G2-3/LST/Cl4 (Last Win)
- 20 / 20 (81%) - No older than a 6yo
- 20 / 20 (83%) - Furthest Won 7f - 1m1f
- 20 / 20 (84%) - No bigger than 22/1 (LTO)
- 20 / 20 (84%) - No more than +3yrs (Vs Min Age)
- 20 / 20 (84%) - Fewer than 3 wins (Class)
- 20 / 20 (84%) - Beaten no more -11l (LTO)
- 20 / 20 (85%) - Achieved an RPR of 96+ (Last 3)
- 20 / 20 (87%) - Furthest ran 1m - 1m3f
- 20 / 20 (87%) - Highest Won is not G2-3/Cl4
- 20 / 20 (87%) - Achieved an RPR of 80+ (LTO)
- 20 / 20 (88%) - Won within last 11 starts
Remember to use the trends listed above, along with the York racing predictions, to see if you can find the winner of the Clipper Handicap. Did you know that we have an OLBG Betting School section on OLBG? It is a place to help you improve your betting experience with articles covering numerous topics.
Are you already a member? If not, then why not? With over £6,000 given away each month in the tipster competition, why not get involved? Remember, it is completely FREE! So, head over to the registration page to sign up today! If you are already a member, then share your thoughts on the Clipper Handicap by adding a tip on the race here.
101 Ways to find Winners in Horse Racing
Clipper Handicap Trend Analysis
✅ The trend factor, which has produced 10+ winners and shows the best LSP, an LSP of +104.88, is when runners had 1 career start over further.
❌ The worst performing factor that has failed to produce a single winner is when runners had a highest class placed of Class 1 (L), when backing these, the trend shows a record of 0-72.
Here are the most recent winning draws, along with the further placings in brackets:
- 2025: Winner in 3 (17,11,5) [17 Runners]
- 2024: Winner in 6 (8,1,5) [18 Runners]
- 2023: Winner in 8 (14,10,12) [19 Runners]
- 2022: Winner in 1 (7,14,11) [18 Runners]
- 2021: Winner in 8 (18,17,15) [18 Runners]
The course which has produced the most winners of the Clipper Handicap is Ascot; there have been a total of 6 winners of this race who ran at Ascot last time out. The next best course, which has produced the second most winners, is Goodwood; there have been a total of 4 winners of this race who ran at Goodwood last time out.
The race is open to both sexes, with the Male runners having produced a total of 20 winners from a total of 356 runners, whilst the Female runners have produced 0 winners from a total of 5 runners.
Looking over the past renewals, there is only one stallion whose offspring have produced multiple winners of the Clipper Handicap; that stallion, Cape Cross, has produced 3 winners (2016,2014,2009).
These are the stallions whose offspring have not produced a winner of the Clipper Handicap despite multiple attempts:
- Dark Angel (0 Wins from 14 runners)
- Invincible Spirit (0 Wins from 13 runners)
- Dansili (0 Wins from 9 runners)
- Pivotal (0 Wins from 8 runners)
- Danehill Dancer (0 Wins from 7 runners)
Looking at the winning odds over the last 20 renewals, the biggest-priced winner was Ropey Guest in 2023, winning for George Margarson at odds of 40/1 under the guidance of Tom Queally. Looking at the runners at the head of the market over the last 20 renewals, there have been 3 winning favourites in the race. Ahead of the 2026 Clipper Handicap, why not head over to the best racing tipster page to see what the tipsters are backing today?
Route to the Clipper Handicap
Many trainers will target races to use as prep races before coming to the Clipper Handicap. These are the races which the recent winners ran in before coming here:
| Info | Last Race |
|---|---|
| 2025 - Bullet Point Ascot - 2nd of 17 (5/2) | Betfred Handicap |
| 2024 - Thunder Run Thirsk - 3rd of 10 (4/6) | William Hill Summer Cup Handicap |
| 2023 - Ropey Guest Ascot - 15th of 25 (23/1) | International Stakes Heritage Handicap |
| 2022 - Blue For You Goodwood - 2nd of 18 (15/2) | Golden Mile Handicap |
| 2021 - Cruyff Turn Haydock - 7th of 9 (6/1) | Each Way Extra At bet365 Handicap |
| 2020 - Montatham Sandown - 1st of 9 (6/5) | Coral Challenge |
| 2019 - Whats The Story Goodwood - 11th of 20 (12/1) | Golden Mile Handicap |
| 2018 - Poets Society Chelmsford (AW) - 5th of 9 (3/1) | Bet totequadpot At totesport.com Handicap |
| 2017 - Flaming Spear Ascot - 9th of 27 (9/1) | International Stakes Heritage Handicap |
| 2016 - Firmament Chelmsford (AW) - 1st of 8 (9/2) | totequadpot Insure Your Placepot Last Four Handicap |
Other Principal races during the York Ebor Festival
Remember to head over to the York predictions page to see which runner the racing tipsters support in the Clipper Handicap. Below are the other principal races that we cover during the Ebor Festival, with links to each race blog and information for last year's winners.
Wednesday at the Ebor Festival
The highlight of the opening day of the Ebor Festival is the Juddmonte International, a Group 1 race with a purse of £1.25 million, which is part of the British Champion Series.
| Race | Last Winner | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 13:50 York Hong Kong Jockey Club World Pool Handicap | Trefor (IRE) 4yo - 7/1 | Charles Hills Kieran Shoemark |
| 14:25 York Acomb Stakes | Gewan (GB) 2yo - 11/2 | Andrew Balding P J McDonald |
| 15:00 York Great Voltigeur Stakes | Pride Of Arras (IRE) 3yo - 12/1 | Ralph Beckett Rossa Ryan |
| 15:35 York Juddmonte International Stakes | Ombudsman (IRE) 4yo - 7/4 | John & Thady Gosden William Buick |
| 16:10 York Ebor Festival Stayers Heritage Handicap | Santorini Star (IRE) 4yo - 100/30 | William Haggas Tom Marquand |
Thursday at the Ebor Festival
The fillies and mares take centre stage on Thursday at the festival in the Yorkshire Oaks, another Group 1 which is part of the British Champion Series.
| Race | Last Winner | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 13:50 York Lowther Stakes | Royal Fixation (GB) 2yo - 5/2 | Ed Walker William Buick |
| 14:25 York Harrys Half Million By Goffs | Song Of The Clyde (GB) 2yo - 15/2 | Clive Cox Rossa Ryan |
| 15:00 York Clipper Handicap | Bullet Point (GB) 4yo - 15/8 | William Haggas Tom Marquand |
| 15:35 York Yorkshire Oaks | Minnie Hauk (IRE) 3yo - 8/15 | A P O'Brien Ryan Moore |
| 16:10 York Galtres Stakes | Charlottes Web (IRE) 4yo - 11/4 | Simon & Ed Crisford Daniel Tudhope |
| 17:20 York Ebor Festival Fillies Heritage Handicap | Royal Velvet (GB) 4yo - 12/1 | William Knight William Buick |
Friday at the Ebor Festival
The British Champion Series race for Friday at the Ebor Festival is the 500k Nunthrope over the sprint distance of five furlongs. The Lonsdale Cup is also part of the British Champion Series on Friday.
| Race | Last Winner | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 13:50 York Ebor Festival Sky Bet Heritage Handicap | Asgards Captain (IRE) 5yo - 16/1 | Dylan Cunha J F Egan |
| 14:25 York Lonsdale Cup | Trawlerman (IRE) 7yo - 5/6 | John & Thady Gosden William Buick |
| 15:00 York Gimcrack Stakes | Lifeplan (IRE) 2yo - 13/2 | Declan Carroll Zak Wheatley |
| 15:35 York Nunthorpe Stakes | Asfoora (AUS) 7yo - 11/1 | Henry Dwyer Oisin Murphy |
| 17:20 York Ebor Festival Mile Heritage Handicap | Fifth Column (IRE) 3yo - 11/4 | John & Thady Gosden William Buick |
Saturday at the Ebor Festival
The highlight on the final day of the Ebor Festival is the Ebor Handicap itself, a stamina-testing class two handicap which carries a purse of 500k.
| Race | Last Winner | Info |
|---|---|---|
| 13:50 York Strensall Stakes | King Of Cities (IRE) 3yo - 11/1 | Richard Hannon Sean Levey |
| 14:25 York Melrose Heritage Handicap | Tarriance (GB) 3yo - 5/1 | Andrew Balding Colin Keane |
| 15:00 York City of York Stakes | Never So Brave (IRE) 4yo - 7/2 | Andrew Balding Oisin Murphy |
| 15:35 York Ebor Handicap | Ethical Diamond (IRE) 5yo - 5/1 | W P Mullins William Buick |
| 16:45 York Roses Stakes | Revival Power (IRE) 2yo - 13/2 | Tim Easterby David Allan |
| 17:20 York Ebor Festival Finale Heritage Handicap | Dain Ma Nut In (IRE) 4yo - 11/1 | Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore Daniel Tudhope |
Article Contributor Information
We are blessed with an excellent team of specialists and experts at OLBG. Contributing to creating and maintaining this Clipper Handicap Preview are at hand, Andy and James. They both work on the Horse racing tips team team looking after the tipsters and managing the tips settlement, whilst also creating and managing all of the horse racing event previews for Flat Racing.
James Banting
Expert Guide
Andy Powell
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