Banbridge Set for King George VI Chase

Trainer Joseph O’Brien has confirmed that Banbridge is on course for the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, following his dramatic exit at the final fence in Sunday’s Hilly Way Chase at Cork.

The eight-year-old showed marked improvement from his seasonal debut in the Fortria Chase at Navan, giving dual Champion Chase winner Energumene a serious challenge before unseating jockey Richie Deegan at the last.

Encouraging Performance

O’Brien expressed satisfaction with Banbridge’s progress, noting the quality of his performance against a top-class rival:

“He’s come out of it fine, and I was very pleased with him. Giving Energumene 10lb and frightening him at the last was a great run over that trip.”

The Cork outing was part of a strategic build-up to Kempton, where Banbridge will tackle three miles over fences for the first time since his point-to-point days. O’Brien is optimistic about the step-up in distance and emphasises the importance of ground conditions:

“We’ve been targeting the King George since Punchestown in the spring. The plan was two prep runs, and we’ve been happy with how they’ve gone. Pending conditions at Kempton, he’ll go for the King George. The drier the ground, the better for him.”

Familiar Ground at Kempton

Banbridge boasts prior success at Kempton, having defeated Pic D’Orhy in the Grade Two Silviniaco Conti Chase in January. Currently, race sponsors Ladbrokes have him priced at 14-1 for the King George VI Chase.

O’Brien also shared an update on Home By The Lee, who made an impressive seasonal debut with victory in the Lismullen Hurdle at Navan. The nine-year-old is now targeting a return to Leopardstown for the Christmas Hurdle, a race he won last year:

“He’ll go back to Leopardstown, and he’s been training well.”

Both horses are poised for exciting campaigns, with Banbridge in particular looking to make a major impact in one of the season’s marquee events.