the castleford chase is a national hunt handicap steeplechase (horse racing) in great britain which is open to horses aged four years or older.. it is run over a distance of about 1 mile and 7 furlongs (1 mile 7 furlongs and 36 yards, or 3,050 metres) at wetherby racecourse in late december. there are thirteen fences to be jumped in the race.