Discover the 20 Entries for the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton This Boxing Day

The Ladbrokes King George VI Chase is set to feature an impressive lineup at Kempton this Boxing Day. With a total of 20 entries, elite horses from both Ireland and Britain are gearing up for a thrilling race. The spotlight is on Willie Mullins, who has three contenders, including the antepost favorite Gaelic Warrior.

Key Entries for the King George VI Chase

Gaelic Warrior, a seven-year-old trained by Mullins, recently triumphed in the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase. He outperformed his stablemate Fact To File, who is also a contender for the King George. Other Irish trainers vying for glory include:

• Martin Brassil – Entered Fastorslow, who finished fourth in the John Durkan.
• Gordon Elliott – Has three entries: Croke Park, Firefox, and Found A Fifty.
• Henry de Bromhead – Bringing Heart Wood into the mix.
• Joseph O’Brien – Aiming to defend last year’s title with Banbridge and has Jordans as a backup option.

Competitive Home Team

Britain’s representatives are equally formidable. Notably, Nicky Henderson’s Jango Baie shone in the Ladbrokes 1965 Chase at Ascot, while Ben Pauling’s The Jukebox Man impressed with a win at Haydock. Both have made the cut for the King George entries, along with:

• Boombawn
• Riskintheground
• Panic Attack (Dan Skelton)
• Djelo and L’Homme Presse (Venetia Williams)
• Master Chewy (Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies)

Performance Predictions

Timeform has rated Gaelic Warrior as the 6/4 favorite for the race, following his impressive display against Fact To File. The latter is rated 174, and it’s uncertain if he will travel to Kempton. Jango Baie, rated 167p, showed promise in his last race and could adapt well to the longer distance of three miles.

Despite historical dominance by British trainers, Irish horses have won three of the last four renewals. Last year’s champion, Banbridge, may replicate his unconventional preparation that led him to victory. Mullins has a strong hand this year, particularly with Gaelic Warrior and Fact To File.

French Contenders

In addition to the Irish and British entries, French-trained horses are also in contention. Il Est Francais, trained by Tom George, has a commendable record at Kempton and nearly won last year’s King George. Another intriguing entry is Kolokico, a five-year-old who recently finished second in the Grade 1 Prix la Haye Jousselin.

The Ladbrokes King George VI Chase promises to be a thrilling spectacle, showcasing a blend of Irish flair and British resilience this Boxing Day at Kempton.