The eagerly anticipated Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day will feature a stellar field of 11 runners, including leading contenders Grey Dawning, Il Est Francais, and Spillane’s Tower.
Grey Dawning, trained by Dan Skelton, spearheads the home challenge. A winner of the Turners Novices’ Chase at last season’s Cheltenham Festival, he heads to Kempton following a close second to Haydock specialist Royale Pagaille in the Betfair Chase.
Representing France are Il Est Francais and stablemate General En Chef, trained by Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm. Il Est Francais, who shone in last year’s Kauto Star Novices’ Chase over this same course and distance, aims to rebound from being pulled up at Auteuil. David Cottin’s Juntos Ganamos, supplemented for the race, adds further French intrigue as they seek to become the first French-trained winner of the King George since First Gold in 2000.
Ireland fields a strong contingent, led by Spillane’s Tower, a dual Grade One-winning novice trained by Jimmy Mangan. Spillane’s Tower was narrowly beaten by stablemate Fact To File in the John Durkan at Punchestown last month but remains a formidable contender despite concerns about drying ground. The race also features fellow JP McManus-owned runner Corbetts Cross, trained by Emmet Mullins, with top amateur Derek O’Connor aboard.
Other Irish hopes include Banbridge from Joseph O’Brien’s yard and Envoi Allen, representing Henry de Bromhead. However, defending champion Hewick will not line up this year, as connections have opted for a hurdles assignment at Leopardstown later in the week.
Adding to the excitement is the return of Bravemansgame, the 2022 King George winner, who aims to regain his crown and deliver a record-extending 14th King George victory for trainer Paul Nicholls.
The line-up is completed by L’Homme Presse, making his first appearance since finishing fourth in last season’s Cheltenham Gold Cup for Venetia Williams, and The Real Whacker, trained by Patrick Neville. Gavin Sheehan, who rode Hewick to glory last year, will partner The Real Whacker.
With such a high-calibre field, this year’s King George promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.