Nicky Henderson is confident that Django Bey possesses the necessary attributes to excel in the thrilling quest for the King George VI Chase this Christmas. Recently, Seven Burrows’ jockey Arkle’s Hero started as the 9-4 favorite in the 1965 Chase at Ascot last Saturday and delivered a strong performance, setting an early benchmark for the highly anticipated Boxing Day race at Kempton.
That same day, The Jukebox Man made an impressive comeback victory at Haydock, while on Sunday, Gaelic Warrior secured a commanding win in the John Durcan Memorial Punchestown Chase, positioning himself as a leading favorite for the King George. Henderson commented on Django Bey, saying, “I had planned for him to run at Kempton on Boxing Day, and by mid-afternoon on Saturday, it seemed like a straightforward choice. But then Jukebox Man won and Gaelic Warrior triumphed on Sunday, so it’s shaping up to be a competitive race.”
He praised Django Bey’s jumping ability and agility, noting, “He was a confident jumper and moved smoothly. He picked up pace towards the end and pulled away. He has the strength and speed needed for the two-mile distance to stay competitive.”
With three wins and one loss this season, Django Bey is one of the standout horses of the festival and holds the second favorite spot for the King George. Henderson hopes Django Bey will hold up under scrutiny on December 26, despite some questioning the strength of his Ascot victory. He explained, “When you analyze the race, it featured Horses like Ile Est Français and Pic Dory, both Grade 1 winners. Ile Est Français wasn’t quite himself compared to last year, and if Paul Nicholls believes Pic Dory ran well, then our race must have been very strong.”
He added, “Guidley Park may raise questions for some, but he’s a good horse who finished second. Last time we faced off, the competition was tight, and we didn’t have the best day. You might wonder about the quality of the win on that day, but I’m hopeful it was a solid performance that will prove its worth.”
Fan Take: This update is exciting news for horse racing enthusiasts as it highlights the intense competition building around the King George VI Chase, promising an exhilarating Christmas Day showdown. Django Bey’s rising profile and the strong field reinforce the prestige and thrill of this historic race, keeping the sport vibrant and captivating for fans worldwide.
