Eleven entries have been confirmed for the 32Red King George VI Steeple Chase at Kempton Park on Wednesday 26th December.
Last year’s winner, Might Bite heads the field as the current favourite with the sponsors despite a disappointing return at Haydock last month where he finished at the back of the field. Trained by Champion trainer Nicky Henderson, he will be hoping Might Bite can repeat last year’s Kempton triumph and put the Haydock run behind him.
Following Bristol De Mai’s four-length success in the Betfair Chase, trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies will attempt to win the Grade One contest for the first time as connections set their sights on the £1 million Jockey Club Triple Crown bonus (see editors notes). Bristol De Mai’s best form has been at Haydock and he will need to prove that he can win a race of this nature at Kempton.
Paul Nicholls, the most successful trainer in the race boasting nine wins, will have his 32Red King George VI team headed by recent Grade two winner, Politologue. He will be tackling the three-mile distance for the first time at Kempton Park on Boxing Day. Nicholls’ other 32Red King George VI challenger is the six-year-old Clan Des Obeaux.
Gold Cup winning Native River makes up one of two runners for trainer Colin Tizzard. Native River finished a creditable second behind winner Bristol De Mai at Haydock and will hope to reverse the form on Boxing Day. Tizzard’s other runner Thistlecrack, the 2016 32Red King George VI winner, will return to Kempton after a promising seasonal reappearance at Haydock where he finished third, just five and three-quarter lengths behind winner Bristol De Mai and stablemate Native River.
The Ruth Jefferson trained Waiting Patiently, currently second favourite, will be making his seasonal reappearance and hoping to continue his unbeaten record over fences. He was last seen at Ascot 10 months ago but recently had an away day to Hexham racecourse in preparation for the race. Ruth took up her training licence after her father sadly passed away at the beginning of the year.
The sole Irish entry for this year’s race comes in the shape of the Gordon Elliot trained Shattered Love. The seven-year-old mare won the JLT Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March and was last seen finishing 2nd to Min at Punchestown on 9th December.
2015 Gold Cup hero Coneygree holds his place in the race following an encouraging reappearance at Cheltenham last month finishing third.
Double Shuffle, trained by Tom George, is hoping to go one better in this year’s race having finished a gallant second in the race last year despite being one of the outsiders.
Trainer Jane Williams and jockey Lizzie Kelly will be hoping Tea For Two can go a few better in this year’s renewal having finished third last season.
Barney Clifford, London Head of Racing for Jockey Club Racecourses said:
“It’s great to see such a strong line-up for the 32Red King George VI Steeple Chase.
“The 11 entries including last year’s winner Might Bite and Jockey Club Chase Triple Crown contender Bristol De Mai mean that we have a fascinating 32Red King George VI renewal in store on Boxing Day.
“It’s going to be a brilliant two days of racing over the 32Red Winter Festival along with all of the other entertainment on offer for people of all ages.”
Tickets for the 32Red Winter Festival at Kempton Park on 26 and 27 December are on sale here or 0344 579 3008.
Ends
Notes to Editors
To win the 32Red King George VI - the sponsor’s bet:
- 11/4 Might Bite
- 5/1 Waiting Patiently
- 5/1 Politologue
- 6/1 Bristol De Mai
- 13/2 Native River
- 8/1 Thistlecrack
- 14/1 Clan Des Obeaux
- 14/1 Shattered Love
- 25/1 Double Shuffle
- 33/1 Coneygree
- 33/1 Tea For Two
This year’s 32 Red King George VI Steeple Chase contest will again be the second leg of the eagerly anticipated The Jockey Club Chase Triple Crown. Jockey Club Racecourses are offering a £1million bonus if any horse wins the Betfair Chase (Haydock Park, 24th November), the 32Red King George VI Steeple Chase (Kempton Park, 26th December) and the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup (Cheltenham, 15th March 2018).
All entries:
Bristol De Mai (FR), Clan des Obeaux (FR), Coneygree (GB), Double Shuffle (IRE), Might Bite (IRE), Native River (IRE), Politologue (FR), Shattered Love (IRE), Tea For Two (GB), Thistlecrack (GB), Waiting Patiently (IRE)
About Kempton Park:
Kempton Park Racecourse is part of The Jockey Club, which stages thrilling sporting occasions including the Randox Health Grand National, The Cheltenham Festival and The Investec Derby. Millions of people every year enjoy special experiences through racing, music, food and entertainment. Governed by Royal Charter, every penny The Jockey Club makes goes back into British Racing to help the sport thrive. Founded in 1750, The Jockey Club is the largest commercial group in Britain’s second biggest spectator sport operating 15 racecourses nationwide, The National Stud, Jockey Club Estates, Jockey Club Catering, Jockey Club Live and the charity, Racing Welfare.
For further information please contact:
Sophie Neal, 07976 446 466, Sophie.Neal@thejockeyclub.co.uk
or Hugo Barran, JSC, 0207 736 2494, Hugo@jsccomms.co.uk
