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Horse Racing: King George VI Chase Odds, Preview, and Picks (Dec 26)

By Ā· Updated 2 months ago
  • Prestigious King George VI Chase headlines the action at Kempton Park on December 26
  • Legendary horses have won the race throughout history, including Kauto Star and Desert Orchid

One of the most exciting races of the National Hunt season is set for Boxing Day, as the second most prestigious race in England behind the Cheltenham Gold Cup is staged at Kempton Park. The King George VI Chase looks set to attract a high-quality field once again, but which runner could be the winning pick?


How To Watch

  • When: Thursday, December 26, 2024 at 9:30 AM ET
  • Where: Kempton Park, England
  • How To Watch: FanDuel TV

Odds

HorseOdds
Fact To File (Needs to be Supplemented)+300
Grey Dawning+350
Banbridge+450
Spillaneā€™s Tower (Needs to be Supplemented)+450
Il Est Francais+550
Corbetts Cross+800
Envoi Allen+900
Lā€™homme Presse+1100

Race Preview

Aside from the Cheltenham Gold Cup, few races on the National Hunt calendar attract the biggest stars more so than the King George VI Chase. The Grade One held at Kempton was first run in 1937, and it has produced some of the best chasers throughout history, including five-time winner Kauto Star.

The field will compete over a distance of three miles, and it has been a staple of Boxing Day tradition in the United Kingdom since 1947. Hewick was an outstanding winner of the race last year, as drama at the end saw Shishkin unseat Nico de Boinville, with former winner Bravemansgame running on to take second.

Fact to File is the most interesting contender this year, but the Willie Mullins runner needs to be supplemented. Connections could instead opt for a showdown with two-time Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs in the G1 Savills Chase in Ireland. But, if he heads to Kempton, his claims are obvious after winning the G1 John Durkan on his return.

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Dan Skelton-trained Grey Dawning has been a short price for the race since the market opened, and he has done little wrong over fences throughout his career. The seven-year-old won the G1 Turners Novicesā€™ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March, but was slightly underwhelming on his return when two lengths behind Royale Pagaille in the G1 Betfair Chase.

Banbridge is another Irish raider that looks set to take his chance at Kempton. Joseph Oā€™Brienā€™s eight-year-old has been excellent throughout his career, winning five from ten starts over the bigger obstacles. He unseated his rider on his latest outing, but looked like a possible winner at that stage. Has experience around Kempton, winning in Grade Two company over two miles and four in January.

Il Est Francais ensures it is a very international affair this year, with the French raider opening up as a short price favorite in this market at the end of last season. His jumping in the G1 Kauto Star Novicesā€™ Chase on this card last year was electric, and a return to anywhere near that level will make him hard to beat.


King George VI Picks

Banbridge is a horse that I admire a lot, and this could be the day when he finally emerges as a leading contender in the staying chasing division. Lā€™homme Presse is second choice. His fourth in the Gold Cup last season was an excellent effort, and first-time out is normally the time to get him. Was a likely winner in this race in 2022 before falling at the last.

Free Pick:

  • Banbridge
Alex Dudley
Contributor Alex has covered huge sporting events for various websites and publications. He has attended football European Championships, Rugby League and Union World Cups, and the Paralympics. Alex is dedicated to giving the most insightful tips for VegasOdds readers and specialises in horse racing, soccer, golf and basketball.