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 you’re 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:
To see which runners the OLBG racing tipsters are tipping throughout the card that includes this race, head over to the York tips on the day of the race. Do they agree with the runners on the trend shortlist, or are they predicting other runners? 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 2026
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. Before placing your bet on the 2026 Clipper Handicap, see which other runners today are being backed on the racing predictions page.
When looking over the past 20 renewals, a time of 1:34.59 was set by Blue For You in 2022, trained by David O'Meara and ridden by Daniel Tudhope, which is the quickest time over that period. The slowest winning time was set in 2017 when Flaming Spear won in a time of 1:41.27 for trainer Kevin Ryan, who booked Robert Winston in the saddle.
Clipper Handicap Past Winners
Here are the Clipper Handicap past winners for the last 10 renewals. Each row details the race year, the winning horse, and the horse's age & weight. Also detailed are the stall from which the horse came 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's 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 twice, 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Kerrin McEvoy | 3-1-1 | +4.00 | +1.75 |
| Harry Bentley | 2-1-1 | +24.00 | +14.63 |
| Silvestre De Sousa | 10-0-3 | -10.00 | +0.63 |
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 proportion 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
2026 Clipper Handicap Runners & Shortlist
The runners and the final trends shortlist for the 2026 renewal of the Clipper Handicap will be added once the final declarations are confirmed, which are usually 48 hours before the race.
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 (Listed); 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 male runners having produced a total of 20 winners from a total of 356 runners, while 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. Remember to bookmark the best racing tipsters page so you can get easy access to the best OLBG racing tipsters.
Route to the Clipper Handicap
Many trainers target races as preparation for 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 Ebor HKJC 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 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 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 Nunthorpe 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 Mile Heritage Handicap | Fifth Column (IRE) 3yo - 11/4 | John & Thady Gosden William Buick |
| 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 |
| 16:10 York Ebor Middle Distance Heritage Handicap | Asgards Captain (IRE) 5yo - 16/1 | Dylan Cunha J F Egan |
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 Finale Heritage Handicap | Dain Ma Nut In (IRE) 4yo - 11/1 | Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore Daniel Tudhope |
Article Contributor Information
We are fortunate to have an excellent team of specialists and experts at OLBG. Contributing to the creation and maintenance of this Clipper Handicap Preview are Andy and James. They both work on the Horse Racing Tips team, overseeing the tipsters and managing the tip settlement, while also creating and managing all the horse racing event previews for Flat racing.
James Banting
Expert Guide
Andy Powell
Expert Guide
Other Principal Races at York Racecourse
Here are some other notable races at the York racecourse throughout the racing season that you may be interested in.
Races in May (Dante Festival)
- Churchill Tyres Handicap
- Jorvik Stakes
- Minster Stakes
- Musidora Stakes
- Dante Stakes
- Hambleton Stakes
- Lindum York Handicap
- Middleton Stakes
- Westow Stakes
- Macmillan Charity Handicap
- Marygate Fillies Stakes
- Michael Seely Memorial Fillies Stakes
- Yorkshire Cup
