All the top contenders will remain in the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, setting up a highly anticipated second showdown of the season between stablemates Gaelic Warrior and Fact to File. These two previously faced off at John Durcan in Punchestown, where Gaelic Warrior delivered a grueling performance, barely holding on to win in a thrilling finish.
Gaelic Warrior will return to the three-mile distance after a similar trip last April, which resulted in victory at Aintree’s bowl. Fact to File, impressive in the Ryanair at Cheltenham but subsequently outpaced over two miles at Punchestown by fellow stablemate Gallopin des Champs, is now being stepped up to three miles.
Still, this event is not just a duel between these two, as Nicky Henderson’s Arkle winner Django Bay is considered a strong contender. Django Bay’s commanding return win at Ascot suggested he is ready for the longer three-mile challenge.
Ben Poling’s Jukebox Man, a target for this race after winning the Cout Star Novice’s Chase last year, has been limited by injury to just one run this season—a victory at Haydock. Last year’s top two finishers, Banbridge and Ile Est Français, are back but not quite at their best form.
Benicia Williams’ Jero, with wins in the Charlie Hall and Peterborough Chase this season, cannot be overlooked, while Croke Park and Master Chewy remain in the mix with nine horses still in contention. The Mullins duo is favored by Coral at 5-2, followed by Django Bay at 100-30.
David Stevens from Coral commented that you can’t merely back Fact to File and Gaelic Warrior, since Kempton and the prestigious King George offer a competitive field. This is echoed by the outsiders like last year’s top finishers Banbridge and Ile Est Français, who are now priced at 14-1 and 20-1 respectively.
At Ladbrokes, the Cout Star Novice Chase sees entries from Mullins’ stable with Jimmy du Seil and Kitzbühel, both also eligible to race at Limerick shortly after. Gary Moore’s Salver and Jamie Snowden’s Wendigo have performed well this season, and Paul Nicholls’ Blue King Doroo is among the eight declared runners. Additionally, nine entries have been submitted for the Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle, including Sir Gino, Anzadam, and champion hurdler Golden Ace.
Fan Take: This year’s King George VI Chase promises an electrifying clash of top-tier talent, underscoring the depth and excitement horse racing continues to offer. For fans, the race is more than a contest—it’s a showcase of the sport’s finest athleticism, strategy, and competition, which can only boost its popularity and legacy.
