The King George VI Chase, a prestigious Grade 1 steeplechase held annually on Boxing Day at Kempton Park Racecourse, is poised to witness an exciting clash of titans in 2024. Grey Dawning, the British hope, carries the weight of expectation on his shoulders, reminiscent of past equine legends like Desert Orchid, One Man, and Teeton Mill. His recent victory in the Grade 1 Turners’ Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival and a strong performance in the Betfair Chase, despite the hindering soft ground, have solidified his position as a leading contender. With a rating of 165, he stands a strong chance of securing victory on home soil for trainer Dan Skelton and jockey Harry Skelton. However, the competition is fierce, with both domestic and international challengers vying for the coveted title.
Among the strong contenders is the Irish raider Spillane’s Tower, trained by Jimmy Mangan. With a rating matching Grey Dawning’s 165, Spillane’s Tower finished second in the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase, showcasing his considerable talent. His prior Grade 1 victory, albeit not in a particularly competitive field, and his relatively young age of six suggest further potential for improvement, making him a force to be reckoned with. Another Irish contender, Banbridge, trained by Joseph O’Brien, also boasts a rating of 165. However, his Grade 2 victory at Kempton Park came over a shorter distance, raising questions about his stamina over the King George VI Chase’s extended trip.
The seasoned campaigner Envoi Allen, now ten years old, brings experience and a rating of 164 to the race. Despite needing to bridge a one-point gap with the top-rated contenders, his recent victory over Hewick in the Champion Chase at Down Royal demonstrates his enduring ability. While his chances of winning might be considered less likely by some, Envoi Allen’s proven talent under trainer Henry de Bromhead and jockey Rachael Blackmore cannot be entirely dismissed. Corbetts Cross, also representing the Irish contingent, secured a dominant win in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham Festival but has since suffered two defeats, indicating a need for improvement to contend for victory in this race.
Adding an international flavour to the King George VI Chase are three French entries: General En Chief, Juntos Ganamos, and Il Est Francais. Of these, Il Est Francais, though currently rated at 154, possesses undeniable talent, as evidenced by his impressive performance in the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices’ Chase the previous year. However, subsequent setbacks due to bleeding under pressure raise concerns about his ability to maintain peak performance throughout the demanding race. Should he overcome these issues, Il Est Francais possesses the potential to outclass the entire field under the guidance of jockey James Reveley and the meticulous preparations of trainers Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm.
Beyond the King George VI Chase, another highly anticipated clash awaits in the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle. This race features the reigning champion, Constitution Hill, facing a potential rising star, Lossiemouth. While Lossiemouth may enter as the favourite under jockey Paul Townend for trainer Willie Mullins, she faces a significant 15lb deficit on official ratings compared to Constitution Hill. The key question revolves around whether Constitution Hill can replicate his dominant form from the previous year, where he triumphed effortlessly in both the Christmas Hurdle and the 2023 Champion Hurdle.
Adding further excitement to the day’s racing card is the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices’ Chase, featuring the promising The Jukebox Man. With such high-stakes races taking center stage, Boxing Day at Kempton Park promises a thrilling spectacle for racing enthusiasts worldwide. The Sun Racing Members Enclosure offers exclusive tips and insights to enhance the betting experience and potentially secure winning outcomes.
This year’s King George VI Chase is shaping up to be a captivating contest with a diverse field of talented horses. Grey Dawning carries the hopes of British fans, but faces stiff competition from both Irish and French challengers. The presence of other compelling races on the card, including the Christmas Hurdle and the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase, further amplifies the day’s significance in the racing calendar. The anticipation is palpable as the horses prepare to battle for supremacy in these prestigious events, adding to the festive atmosphere of Boxing Day. While Grey Dawning is the British frontrunner, the race remains open, with any of the highly-rated contenders possessing the potential to claim victory and etch their names in racing history.
