With December edging ever closer and Christmas trees going up across the nation, the thoughts of racing fans inevitably turn towards one race. Taking centre stage at the Kempton Christmas Festival, the King George VI Chase is an essential part of the Boxing Day celebrations. Boasting a roll of honour featuring Arkle, Desert Orchid (four times), and Kauto Star (five times), this three-mile contest lies behind only the Cheltenham Gold Cup when it comes to high-class British staying chases.
Punters begin focusing on the King George ante-post market almost from the moment the season begins in October. With the big race in mind, all eyes were on Haydock, Ascot, and Punchestown as a trio of stars set out to enhance their claims. By the close of play on Sunday, 23 November, all three had followed the script to further whet the appetite ahead of one of the most anticipated races of the season.
Baie Blows Ascot Rivals Away
Nicky Henderson’s Jango Baie was the first of the King George hopefuls to take to the stage in the 2m5f 1965 Chase. Yet to race beyond 2m4f, and with his two Grade 1 wins coming at around two miles, this six-year-old son of Tiger Groom had more to prove than most.
Those close to the horse had always hinted that he may be seen to best effect over 2m4f+. He certainly needed every inch of the straight when snatching a last-gasp success in the 2025 Arkle Chase over two miles. However, he failed to back that up when only third in the 2m4f Manifesto Novices’ Chase at the Aintree Grand National. How would he fare on his first start since undergoing a wind operation and having a screw inserted in his leg?
Despite only being third best on ratings, Jango Baie started as the 9/4 favourite to master a field including two-time 1965 Chase winner Pic d’Orhy and 2024 King George runner-up Il Est Francais. Going in the hands of Nico de Boinville, he answered any questions regarding the trip or his current well-being in impressive style. Beginning his challenge three from home, he had the race in safe keeping over the second last and bounded clear for a nine-length success. 12/1 for King George glory before the race, Jango Baie is now the shortest price British contender at a general 3/1.
Jukebox Plays Winning Tune for Redknapp
Ordinarily, the Grade 1 Betfair Chase would be the key King George trial on Saturday afternoon’s card at Haydock. Grey Dawning came home in front in grand style for Dan and Harry Skelton in the feature, but he doesn’t perform going right-handed and will give Kempton a miss.
One horse who almost certainly will line up in the Boxing Day highlight is the Harry Redknapp-owned The Jukebox Man. Hailing from the yard of Ben Pauling, the seven-year-old won his first two starts over fences last season, only to miss the remainder of the campaign due to a cannon bone fracture. While expected to improve for his first start in 331 days, the mount of Ben Jones started as the 8/11 favourite in the Betfair Exchange Graduation Chase.
Considering his long absence and his trainer’s claim that he was not yet 100% fit, The Jukebox Man posted a spectacular comeback. Moving straight into the lead in trademark style, he remained at the head of affairs throughout. Rounding off an immaculate jumping display with a bold leap at the last, he cruised home to score by two and a half lengths from Grand National fourth Iroko.
Already a winner over the King George course and distance in the 2024 Kauto Star Novices’ Chase, The Jukebox Man was cut from a general 12/1 to a best price of 9/2 to land the main event in 2025.
Gaelic Warrior Fends Off Stablemate in Titanic Tussle
While Jango Baie and The Jukebox Man advanced their King George claims in fine style, perhaps the most informative warm-up event came at Punchestown on Sunday afternoon. Despite the 2m3½f trip, the John Durkan Memorial Chase invariably attracts runners with an eye on the season’s major three-mile prizes.
Ten lined up for the 2025 edition in a field boasting an average rating of 165, including four 170+ rated runners. No shortage of talent wherever you looked, but the betting suggested this would be a head-to-head clash between a pair of Willie Mullins stars. As the tape went up, defending champion Fact To File started as the 11/8 favourite, just ahead of 13/8 chance Gaelic Warrior, with no other horse priced at shorter than 10/1.
As the market suggested, the John Durkan concerned only two, as Gaelic Warrior and Fact To File combined to serve up an absolute thriller. Once underway, Gaelic Warrior immediately made his intentions clear. With Paul Townend little more than a passenger, the Rich Ricci runner set off at a fierce gallop that soon had many of his rivals in trouble.
Continuing to pour it on, Gaelic Warrior was around 20 lengths clear approaching the turn for home. However, he then looked like a sitting duck as Fact To File rapidly closed the gap. The favourite moved ahead over the second last and seemed sure to forge ahead. However, Gaelic Warrior wasn’t done with yet and pulled out more after the final fence to get back on top by a neck.
This was a wonderful display of guts and talent from the winner, who now tops the King George market at a best price of 6/4.