Last year’s top two finishers, Banbridge and Ile Est Français, join current frontrunners Gaelic Warrior and Django Bey among the 15 horses set to compete in the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day.
Ile Est Français led the pack with flair last year and seemed poised to win, but his pace slowed near the finish, allowing Joseph O’Brien’s Banbridge to surge ahead and take the victory.
Since then, neither horse has hit their peak form. Ile Est Français, now training in Gloucestershire with Tom George, had a disappointing return at Ascot, while Banbridge, though missing a win, showed strong performance over longer distances despite a poor race in Cork.
Gaelic Warrior has impressed, holding off his stablemate Fact to File, trained by Willie Mullins, during a thrilling contest at Punchestown’s John Durcan Memorial. Fact to File might also compete at Closutton alongside Grange Clare West.
Django Bey, last season’s thrilling winner of the two-mile Arkle as a late replacement for Sir Gino, has mostly raced at distances over two miles. His return at Ascot was impressive over two miles, but three miles could suit him even better.
The Jukebox Man, owned by Harry Redknapp, who won last year’s event as a novice for Ben Poehling, began this season strongly with a win at Haydock, positioning himself as a clear contender in betting markets.
Another strong competitor is Jero, owned by Benicia Williams, who has won both the Charlie Hall and Peterborough Chase this season. Jockey Charlie Deutsch praised Jero’s agility and careful jumping, noting the upcoming King George race may reveal the horse’s ideal distance.
Martin Brazile’s multiple Group 1 winner Fastslow remains a contender, as does Ireland’s Gordon Elliott at Croke Park, with Firefox and Henry de Bromhead supporting the Irish challenge through Heartwood.
A wild card in the race is Korokiko, trained by Emmanuel Crailleux in France, whose impact is yet to be fully known.
Fan Take: This year’s Ladbrokes King George VI Chase lineup showcases an exciting blend of proven stars and rising talents, making it a must-watch spectacle for horse racing fans. The race’s outcome could highlight emerging champions and shift the competitive landscape in National Hunt racing.
