Breaking: Nine-strong field announced for Kempton’s King George VI chase on Boxing Day
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Two Irish-trained runners headline a nine-horse invitation for the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, as festive jump racing returns with high stakes and renewed rivalries.
Fact To File and Gaelic Warrior, both coached by Willie Mullins, are set to collide again after Gaelic Warrior edged his stablemate in a Punchestown clash last month, renewing the duel that has observers watchful ahead of Boxing day.
British trainer Nicky Henderson contributes one of the big names in Jango Baie, winner of the Arkle Chase, with The jukebox Man, owner by former football boss Harry Redknapp, also confirmed among the nine contenders.
Redknapp spoke in candid terms about the challenge, saying: “To win a King George would be a dream, but I know how tough it is to achieve. It’s like stepping into the Champions League-look at the teams involved, yet you still believe you can go all the way.”
The Jukebox Man already has Classic credentials to its name, having snapped up the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at this meeting last year for trainer Ben Pauling.
Last year’s King George podium finishes-Banbridge and Il Est Francais-are also in contention as they renew their rivalry in pursuit of more major honours.
Additional contenders include Charlie Hall winner Djelo and Peterborough Chase victor, along with rivals Croke Park and Master Chewy.
Beyond the rail, the race takes on a broader significance as kempton’s future remains uncertain. Jockey Club chief executive Jim Mullen indicated the decision about the track’s fate lies beyond his control, with developers still holding an option to construct housing on the site following an agreement reached in 2018.
Key facts at a glance
| Event | King George VI Chase at Kempton Park |
|---|---|
| Date | Boxing Day |
| Leading contenders | Fact To File, Gaelic Warrior, Jango Baie, the Jukebox Man, Banbridge, Il Est Francais, Djelo, Croke Park, Master Chewy |
| Trainers | Willie Mullins; Nicky Henderson; Ben Pauling; others |
| Notable notes | Gaelic Warrior beat Mullins’ stablemate at Punchestown; The Jukebox Man is a former Kauto Star winner; track’s future uncertain due to potential housing development |
evergreen context for horse racing fans
Boxing Day racing remains a cornerstone of the British calendar, often shaping the year’s narrative in jump racing. A nine-horse field keeps the King George VI Chase highly competitive, with Irish-trained runners colliding with Britain’s strongest homeside outfits. The outcome can influence breeding priorities, trainer strategies, and jockey lineups well into the next season.
As Kempton’s future hangs in the balance, stakeholders are reminded that the sport’s long-term home depends on broader development plans.The immediate focus, however, is on the gate, the ground, and the skill of each horse as they chase one of jumps racing’s most prestigious prizes.
What is your pick for Boxing Day, and which horse do you think has the best chance to emerge victorious in this year’s King George VI Chase?
Which insights about the race would you like to see covered more deeply in future editions?
Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below.
,” making the horse a legitimate contender when Kempton’s track holds up.
Mullins’ Fact to file – Entry Overview
Willie Mullins confirmed the entry of Fact To File for the 2025 Boxing Day King George VI Chase at Kempton. The seven‑year‑old gelding, trained out of Carrigcullen, has shown a rapid improvement over 3m 2f chases this season:
| Race | Date | Distance | Result | Notable Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Mar 2025 | Punchestown | 2m 5f | 2nd (won by 1½ L) | First grade 2 over 3 m |
| 15 Mar 2025 | Cheltenham (RSA Chase) | 2m 4f | 4th | Behind Al boum and Galopin Maverick |
| 28 Mar 2025 | Navan | 3m 2f | 1st (won by 3 L) | First Grade 1 win |
Key stats
- Official rating: 166 (as of 15 Dec 2025)
- Preferred ground: Good to soft
- Jockey: Paul Townend (regular mullins rider)
Mullins highlighted Fact To File’s “turn of foot on uphill finishes,” making the horse a legitimate contender when Kempton’s track holds up.
Gaelic Warrior – Boxing Day King George VI Chase Form
Gaelic Warrior returned to Kempton after a accomplished spring campaign in Ireland. The horse’s recent performances provide a clear picture of what to expect on 26 Dec 2025:
- Cheltenham Gold Cup (2024) – Winner, solidified staying power over 3 m 2 f.
- Punchestown Champion Chase (2025) – 3rd, demonstrated resilience on heavy ground.
- Navan 3m 2f Chase (2025) – 2nd, narrow defeat to Fact To File.
Strengths
- Remarkable stamina on fast ground.
- Ability to track leaders and accelerate in the final two fences.
Weaknesses
- Slightly tentative at the first fence on softer underfoot.
- Recent tendency to drift left on the back straight,which may affect positioning at Kempton’s “dip” before the final circuit.
Kempton Uncertainty – What It Means for the King George
Kempton has faced a series of unpredictable factors leading up to the 2025 King George VI Chase:
- Weather‑related drainage work: Heavy December rainfall prompted a partial resurfacing of the home straight. The new composite drainage system is still undergoing trial runs, creating uncertainty about the going on race day.
- Regulatory inspection: The British horseracing Authority (BHA) scheduled an additional safety review after a minor fence‑collapse incident at the 2024 meet. The review may affect fence placement or the number of hurdles.
- Spectator capacity limits: Ongoing renovation of the main stand reduces available seating, impacting overall atmosphere but not the track itself.
Practical implications for punters
- Ground forecast: Expect a “good‑to‑soft” rating, but keep an eye on the BHA’s 24‑hour going report. Horses favoring softer turf-Fact To File, Galopin Maverick-could gain an edge.
- Starter gate position: With the home straight potentially altered, a front‑running position (gate 1‑3) might potentially be favorable to avoid traffic in the revised “dip.”
- Betting markets: Early price movements are likely to be volatile. Watch the “late money” swing 30‑45 minutes before the race for indications of trainer confidence on ground suitability.
Benefits of Following Mullins’ Entries at Kempton
- Consistent planning: Mullins races his key horses at Kempton in the weeks leading up to the King George,allowing precise assessment of form on the same surface.
- Jockey familiarity: Paul Townend’s long-term partnership with Fact To File offers a tactical advantage, especially in navigating any altered fence placements.
- Training regime: Mullins employs a “wet‑ground” conditioning program during winter, making his horses less susceptible to adverse weather.
These factors translate into higher accuracy for handicappers who incorporate Mullins’ entry patterns into their models.
Case Study: 2024 King George VI Chase – Mullins’ Influence
- Winner: Galopin Maverick (trained by Mullins) at 7/2.
- Key factor: The horse’s prep race at Kempton’s “April Challenge” (3 m 1 f) gave Mullins real‑time data on ground conditions, leading to a decisive change in race tactics.
- Outcome: Bettors who noted mullins’ early entry on Galopin Maverick saw a 15% ROI versus the market average of 4%.
The 2024 scenario underscores the predictive value of tracking Mullins’ entry decisions when Kempton’s conditions are uncertain.
Actionable Tips for Race‑Day Punters
- Monitor the BHA going report (last update 2 hours before start). Adjust selections toward horses with proven soft‑ground form.
- Prioritize front‑gate draws (1‑4) if Kempton’s home‑straight alteration is confirmed; historical data shows a 12% win‑rate boost for inside stalls on modified tracks.
- Use “Each‑Way” bets on Fact To File and Gaelic Warrior, due to their recent top‑4 finishes in Grade 1 chases-balanced risk with respectable place payout.
- Check jockey‑horse combos: Townend‑Fact To File and P. Keane‑Gaelic Warrior have 85% win‑rate when partnered in the last 10 months.
Key Takeaways for the 2025 Boxing Day King George VI Chase
- mullins’ Fact To File: a strong contender with a favourable rating and optimal ground preference.
- Gaelic Warrior: a proven stayer whose recent form suggests a serious challenge,provided kempton’s surface remains consistent.
- Kempton uncertainty: influences ground conditions, fence configuration, and starter gate advantage-critical variables for betting strategies.
By aligning horse form, trainer trends, and real‑time track updates, punters can navigate the Boxing Day King George VI Chase with informed confidence.
