KEMPTON PARK NH RACING - CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL 2021 - DAY ONE KING GEORGE VI CHASE

BOXING DAY MEETING - SUNDAY 26th DECEMBER  
This event holds some of the most significant races in the Jump calendar, including the Grade 1 Boxing Day showpiece, the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase won last year by Bryony Frost riding Frodon (pictured top) for trainer Paul Nicholls, as well as the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle, and the Grade 2 Ladbrokes Desert Orchid Chase on day two. Day two on Monday will be published separately soon. Once again we see a likely reduction in the attendance due to the Omicron variant, whatever happens we should still be able to enjoy this feast of jump racing even if it's just via the ITV Racing channel.

Day one focusses on the race that underpins the entire festival – The King George VI Steeple Chase. The race draws incredible talent as horses, jockeys and trainers compete to leave a permanent mark in racing history. The Grade 1 race first ran in 1937 and was named after the newly crowned king. It was won by Southern Hero who, to date, remains the oldest winner of the race at 12 years old. The King George VI Chase is synonymous with some of the most famous names in racing with Arkle, Pendil, Wayward Lad and Best Mate all taking their place on the roll of honour. 2020 saw a twelfth King George for Paul Nicholls as Frodon scored for Bryony Frost.

Going Report - Good to soft. (Good in places).
Weather Forecast - Expecting scattered showers during the day getting heavier into the early evening and a high of 7c.

12:45 Play Ladbrokes 5-A-Side On Football Novices' Hurdle
2 miles  [Class 2  6 runners]
Opening the meeting with a small field novice hurdle, the six are headed by Paso Doble (P Nicholls) was a fairly useful Flat winner who quickly reached a similar standard over hurdles, making it 2 wins from 5 starts when landing odds at Taunton has a leading chance, however will have to jump superbly to see off Broomfield Burg (N Henderson) the JP McManus' owned 5yo has looked a very good prospect winning a bumper and hurdle contest, then runner up twice which should give him the advantage. Both Black Poppy (K Lee) and Robelli (I Williams) are previous bumper winners, should find a race to win soon enough but unlikely to have the quality to trouble the front pair, while Corrigeen Rock (L Russell) and Highstakesplayer (T Lacey) appear to be outclassed today although there is prize money for all.
Result - (2) Broomfield Burg @1/3f  [Nico de Boinville].

1:20 Get Your Ladbrokes 1 Free Bet Today Novices' Limited Handicap Chase
2 miles 4 furlongs 110 yards  [Class 3  8 runners]
Field is led by Sebastopol who had a sequence of runner up places and should have gone in last time out but fell at the last fence here but should have an each way chance if over that spill. Nicky Henderson runs two here, Mister Coffey was a decent hurdler last season and has had a opening third in his chase career, so the choice from his pair is Bothwell Bridge a winner at Sandown and likely to improve for that experience. Hopefully all eight stand their ground, giving us a chance of a place bet on Your Darling [3rd @9/1]. Bryn Pauling's 6yo won a hurdle and then a chase at Huntingdon and jumped well there before extending from two fences out and should be able to compete amongst these today.
Result - (5) Jacamar @11/1  [D E Mullins].

1:55 The Ladbrokes Kauto Star Novices' Chase (Grade 1)
(formally the Feltham Novice Chase)
3 miles  [Class 1  4 runners]
I still refer to this as the Feltham Chase, a field of just four are declared where Paul Nicholls has Bravemansgame here and his 6yo has won both starts over fences so far, and likely to go off a short price favourite here. With a clean round of jumping it's hard to see him losing that unbeaten tag just yet, but here anything can happen. A wide margined winner at Newbury Ahoy Senor should make it a contest despite the small field, should they not be 100% spot on today it's possible that Tea Clipper can make them pay, although there is a nice prize pot for the minor honours and even Kiltealy Briggs will collect min £5k+ just for fourth with a clear round of jumping.
Result - (2) Bravemansgame @6/5  [Harry Cobden].

2:30 The Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle (Grade 1)
2 miles  [Class 1  5 runners]
Another small field expected for a race won last year by the recently departed Silver Streak so I expect plenty of nice reminiscent moments for Evan Williams' talented 8yo. Epatante the Champion Hurdler of 2020 probably wasn't ideally suited by speed-blunting conditions when dead heating for first with Not So Sleepy in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle. The one to beat even though was turned over in this race last year by the aforementioned Silver Streak at odds of 1/5f. 

Not So Sleepy also reappears today, should go well again here but has been fairly inconsistent in the past and as a 9yo might not have the scope of others, such as Tritonic a decent flat horse has come on plenty over hurdles though might fancy further in time, certainly in the mix today though.
Result - () Epatante @4/5f  [Nico de Boinville].

3:05 The Ladbrokes King George VI Chase (Grade 1)
3 miles  [Class 1  9 runners]
The feature race of the day now as nine are declared to line up with Frodon back once more to attempt to defend his crown and Bryony Frost riding after an 'eventful' season on and off the track. Dual winner Clan Des Obeaux also reappears to try and regain his crown too, and we've an exciting entry as Minella Indo the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner is an intended runner with Rachael Blackmore here for just this one ride today. Lostintranslation once looked like a future star but has been pulled up in the last two running's of this and although winning at Ascot on seasonal reappearance would be a surprise winner of this. 

Minella Indo won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March. Shaped as if needing run when five lengths third to Frodon on Down Royal return. The one to beat on Gold Cup form in my view.
Result - .

3:40 Ladbrokes We Play Together Handicap Hurdle
2 miles 5 furlongs [Class 3  10 runners]
Our finale now, the largest field on the card, ten runners headed by Earlofthecotswolds winner of last two starts and also winner of a NH Bumper here earlier in the year. An Tailiur continues to improve, had completed a five timer before unseating next time at Cheltenham, then made up for that mishap with another success at Taunton 4lb higher but could still have further improvement to come and must be high on the list. Our Surprise completes our shortlist in this has famous colours and owners that often seen winning the big races and recent efforts off this mark suggest his turn is not that far away, should get a good gallop to aim at.
Result - (2) Marie's Rock @15/2  [Adrian Heskin].

Results will be updated during the course of the afternoon, plus we have the second day on Monday with the feature race the Desert Orchid Chase. Hope you enjoyed a very Merry Christmas. 

KEMPTON PARK NH RACING - CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL - DAY ONE KING GEORGE VI CHASE

BOXING DAY MEETING - SATURDAY 26th DECEMBER  

This event holds some of the most significant races in the Jump calendar, including the Grade 1 Boxing Day showpiece, the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase won for a second year by Clan Des Obeaux (pictured top), as well as the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle, and the Grade 2 Ladbrokes Desert Orchid Chase on day two. Sunday's meeting will be posted up separately. The possibility of a small group of customers in attendance is no more as more counties go into Tier 3 all meetings for the foreseeable future return to behind closed doors. So we will enjoy the racing from home, with ITV covering the main feature races on each day.

Day one focusses on the race that underpins the entire festival – The King George VI Steeple Chase. The race draws incredible talent as horses, jockeys and trainers compete to leave a permanent mark in racing history. The Grade 1 race first ran in 1937 and was named after the newly crowned king. It was won by Southern Hero who, to date, remains the oldest winner of the race at 12 years old. The King George VI Chase is synonymous with some of the most famous names in racing with Arkle, Pendil, Wayward Lad and Best Mate all taking their place on the roll of honour. 2019 saw an eleventh King George for Paul Nicholls as Clan Des Obeaux notching up back to back wins in the race and is likely to be prepared for a third attempt with the likes of Cyrname and Lostintranslation in opposition.

GOING REPORT - Good to Soft (Good in places).
WEATHER - Expecting scattered showers during the day getting heavier into the early evening and a high of 9c.

12:40pm  The Ladbrokes Watch Racing Online For Free Novices Hurdle
2 miles  6 runners
Small select field of six for our opener today, where the top two are probably going to take much of the focus. Paul Nicholls runs FILIC OU VOYOU who has taken well to hurdles and not been out of the first three in all of his runs to date, plenty of experience and likely to be well supported. Dan Skelton has THIRD TIME LUCKI who has raced three times over obstacles winning his first two and then runner up in a better race at Cheltenham of the pair I would side with the Nicholls horse. However bit of a leap of faith as Nicky Henderson runs GO SACRE GO an ex French horse and the type the trainer would have prepared well for this sort of opening, 12/1 would not be surprised if that went very quickly.

Result - (2) Third Time Lucki @11/10f [Harry Skelton]

1:15pm  The Play Ladbrokes 5-a-Side on Football Novices Limited Handicap Steeple Chase
2 miles 4 furlongs  11 runners
Top weight HOLD THE NOTE could go well for Mick Channon and staying the trip well for a place is what expect again today, ALNADEM carries famous colours here and has improved with his latest win at Sandown probably the pick of the form on offer today. Support for JP McManus' MR ONE MORE could be significant but his jumping will need to improve here.

Result - (10) Killer Clown @9/2 [Adam Wedge]

1:50pm  The Ladbrokes Kauto Star Novices Steeple Chase (formally the Feltham Novice Chase)
3 miles 7 runners
I still refer to this as the Feltham Chase, a field of seven are declared where IF THE CAP FITS can justify his place ahead of the others in the ratings and will see off both Shan Blue and The Big Breakaway. Paul Nicholls has recent Exeter winner ENRILO here who took that one easy enough but this is surely a tougher assignment.

Result - (6) Shan Blue @7/4f [Harry Skelton]

2:25pm  THE LADBROKES CHRISTMAS HURDLE RACE (GRADE 1)
2 miles 5 runners
With just the five runners declared this should be a prep race for Champion Hurdler EPITANTE, will be prohibitive odds and Trainer Nicky Henderson also runs Floressa remembering that a couple of years ago his fav was beaten then too (Buveur D'Air beaten by Verdana Blue), personally cannot see that happening again today. Ballyandy and Silver Streak both have something to find with the champion, while even Paul Nicholls would be surprised if Diego Du Charmil got into this so a race to watch for me.

Result - (3) Silver Streak @13/2 [Adam Wedge]

3:00pm  THE LADBROKES KING GEORGE VI STEEPLE CHASE (GRADE 1)
3 miles 9 runners
The feature race of the day, where CLAN DES OBEAUX will be seeking a third straight win here, trainer Paul Nicholls has a great win rate but as he runs four here so it's really no surprise. The obvious challenger is CYRNAME who is still the highest rated chaser in training, although well beaten in this last year seems to have come back stronger again and going right handed should see him in a better light too. Lostintranslation was a strong fancy last year too but failed to jump well and his recent run at Haydock was disappointing as well so is passed over. Nicky Henderson is always strong here so last years Gold Cup runner up SANTINI must enter the equation having been supplemented last week for this at a cost of £5k and could be the value against the front two in the market. Some support for one of the outsiders WAITING PATIENTLY who did well two seasons back and only ran once last term when third in the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown and is a big price could well run into a place.

Result - (4) Frodon @20/1 [Bryony Frost]

3:35pm  The Get Your Ladbrokes Daily Odds Boost Handicap Hurdle
2 miles 5 furlongs 17 runners
The finale has attracted the largest field of the day, seventeen handicappers with plenty of experience but most of the older chasers are still way above their last winning mark, so will go with the pair of 6yo's against the field with DRAGON D'ESTRUVAL (N Henderson) and CLASSIC BEN (S Edmunds).

Result - (5) Monte Cristo @25/1 [D Jacob]

Results will be updated during the course of the afternoon, plus we have the second day on Sunday with the feature race the Desert Orchid Chase. Hope you enjoyed a very Merry Christmas. 

KEMPTON PARK BOXING DAY 'KING GEORGE VI' MEETING 2019

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE

The year feels like it's flown by once again and here we are looking at the end of December with our disappointing season on the flat already finished at Kempton so a nice change of pace as we return today over the jumps for one more big meeting. The annual Boxing Day NH meeting at Kempton Park will be our final event till next year comes around and it of course will feature the renewal of the King George VI Chase and supporting Grade 1 event the Christmas Hurdle.

Will Paul Nicholls win again with last years winner CLAN DES OBEAUX can he rise to the occasion again for a repeat win or will we see another superstar in the making with the talented CYRNAME, also trained by Paul Nicholls who was able to end the run of the awesome Altior (himself now unlikely to line up). Shall we see a challenge from the Irish trainers this year sending over anything special to take on the home team or keep them safe across the Irish Sea and leave it till Cheltenham in March. I can remember when the best of the French chasers came over but that too seems to have stopped now. There are of course plenty of supporting events including the Kauto Star (Feltham) Novices Chase won last year by La Bague Au Roi under the champion jockey Richard Johnson and the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle which was won by Verdana Blue who sprung a surprise beating stablemate Buveur D'Air who at the time was the reigning Champion Hurdler.

We will have a six race card on Thursday afternoon, plenty of quality events leading up to the King George VI itself at 3:05pm. The going is currently forecast as "Soft", there is a lot of rain expected overnight and throughout the morning itself so this might get closer to "heavy" though the weather should be fine for the time of year during the afternoon although a bit chilly so wrap up warm, maximum temperatures expected 8C.

Here are our thoughts and selections for the rest of today's NH card;
12:50  Ladbrokes 'Free Bet Today' Novices' Hurdle (Class 2) 
2m, 8 Runners
We kick off the Boxing day meeting with a decent novice hurdle, Nicky Henderson usually unleashes a decent prospect here (won this last year with Mister Fisher) and indeed runs two this afternoon with both FRED [WON 9/2] and VEGAS BLUE worth noting, the latter appears to be the main hope with two wins from two so far. Paul Nicholls also runs a pair with ECCO strongly fancied while RED FORCE ONE is co-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson and was only a neck away from winning a listed event at Ascot so market support for this one would be interesting with experience of the soft ground anticipated here today. Away from the top two trainers one to note at a big price could be the Dan Skelton horse SOUTH SEAS who was runner up on debut at Southwell against a David Pipe 'good thing' and could be better than that bare form entitled to have come on for that run. 

RESULT -- 1st :  FRED 9/2.

13:20  Ladbrokes Chase (Novices' Limited Handicap) (Class 3) 
2m 4f 110y, 12 Runners.
An interesting Novice Handicap now, a race won last year by Mick Channon (Glen Forsa) and he saddles HOLD THE NOTE today which is of interest was a good hurdler and could improve for stepping up over fences, one to keep an eye on in the handicaps throughout this season. Venetia Williams horses fare well on the soft ground and her ROLL AGAIN is an ex Willie Mullins a winner recently over 3m on soft going and could be the one to beat. At a bigger price SOLOMON GREY was obviously outclassed up against Cyrname and Altior at Ascot but could be better suited to this trip and opposition and certainly capable of running to a place here. 

RESULT -- 1st :  COMMANCHE RED 4/1.

13:55  Ladbrokes Kauto Star Novices' Chase (Grade 1) (Class 1)
3m, 7 Runners
Formally known as the "Feltham Novices' Chase" this is now renamed as the Kauto Star Chase after the multiple King George and Gold Cup winner, shame to see some of the original names that I had grown up with being replaced. A small field of seven today which limits our each way interest somewhat although should still be a race to follow for the future given the quality that has come out of this event in the past including last year's winner La Bague Au Roi. Colin Tizzard looks to have a strong chance with his SLATE HOUSE [WON 3/1] who is rated highest, BLACK OP is a year older and Tom George's 8yo should find this trip within his range even on soft going. While JARVEYS PLATE has already won a small field contest this season beating on odds on shot in the process and was a listed hurdle winner at Cheltenham last season so commands respect, just wish it was eight runners for the place betting options.

RESULT -- 1st :  SLATE HOUSE 3/1.

14:30  Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle (Grade 1) (Class 1)
2m, 10 Runners
Another Grade 1 supporting event before the King George but it's another relatively small field without any real live Champion Hurdle stars. With the Irish challenge remaining at home and not a lot of depth now in the Champion Hurdle events to be fair we see Nicky Henderson saddling three in this including last years winner VERDANA BLUE, wouldn't be a surprise this time if able to repeat that win but has more competition this time around including stablemate and likely favourite FUSIL RAFFLES who is unbeaten for Henderson including an impressive course and distance success as a novice. GETAWAY TRUMP returns to hurdles after an unconvincing start over the larger obstacles, the Nicholls horse shouldn't be dismissed lightly, while support for Colin Tizzard's ELIXIR DE NUTZ would be interesting and this is my each way selection today was a talented novice and in good hands. 

RESULT -- 1st :  .

15:05  Ladbrokes King George VI Chase (Grade 1) (Class 1)
3m, 6 Runners
Today's feature event only has six entries but its still full of interest nonetheless, ASO would appear outclassed here but there is nice prize money down to sixth place so a clear round will still pick up a nice prize, last years winner CLAN DES OBEAUX commands respect attempting a repeat win, has last years runner up  THISTLECRACK [N/R] in opposition once again but this does seem a race for the younger horses to take control. 

CYRNAME is the obvious favourite and will be interesting to see if the money comes in big numbers, beat Altior last time at Ascot in what was effectively a match and will have to be at his best to see off LOSTINTRANSLATION who himself improved his reputation beating Bristol De Mai in the Betfair chase at Haydock in a battle. And that just leaves FOOTPAD over from Ireland for Willie Mullins, if he stays well then will certainly be in the mix. Should be a cracking race, for me I'm going with LOSTINTRANSLATION [NAP] to improve again, then it's the Gold Cup which should be very interesting this time around.

RESULT -- 1st :  CLAN DES OBEAUX 11/2.

15:40  Ladbrokes Football Acca Handicap Hurdle (Class 3)
2m 5f,  17 Runners
Our finale has the largest field of seventeen, we are headed by CANYON CITY with a 10lb claimer in the saddle which will help but we still overlook and favour LASKADINE a 4yo for Nicky Henderson and Barry Geraghty. 

For me it's wide open and preference is for two big price selections against the field, low weight helps on the soft going, so GORTROE JOE (Dan Skelton) and OSCARSMAN (Sue Smith) won a maiden hurdle but both have recent place form too and are about 20/1 as I sit here writing this.  G JOE PLACED 40/1 !! Nice result on the way out today.

RESULT -- 1st :  HONEST VIC 10/1.

Hope you enjoying your Boxing Day and still have a bit of turkey left over, wish you all the best for the end of the year for those of you disappointed that we didn't have a White Christmas here's what it would have looked like.

We'll be back with a new season on the flat in January 2020 and also at Cheltenham on New Years Day. 

KEMPTON PARK BOXING DAY 'KING GEORGE VI' MEETING 2018

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE

The year feels like it's flown by once again and here we are looking at the end of December with our disappointing season on the flat already finished at Kempton so we return today over the jumps for one more big meeting. The annual Boxing Day NH meeting at Kempton Park will be our final event till next year comes around and it of course will feature the renewal of the King George VI Chase and supporting Grade 1 event the Christmas Hurdle.

Will MIGHT BITE be able to return to form and repeat his win of last year, will we see another superstar in the making and will the Irish trainers send over anything special to take on the home team or keep them safe across the Irish Sea and leave it till Cheltenham in March. I can remember when the best of the French chasers came over but that seems to have stopped now too. There are of course plenty of supporting events including the Kauto Star (Feltham) Novices Chase won last year by BLACK CORTON under the exceptional Bryony Frost and the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle which was won by BUVEUR D'AIR before he went on to retain his Champion Hurdle crown.

We will have a six race card on Wednesday afternoon, plenty of quality events leading up to the King George VI itself at 3:05pm. The going is currently forecast as "Good to Soft, Good in places", and the weather should be fine for the time of year although a bit chilly so keep warm.

Here are our thoughts and selections for the rest of today's NH card;
12:50  32Red Casino Novices' Hurdle (Class 2) 
2m, 6 Runners

We kick off the Boxing day meeting with a decent novice hurdle, although just the six runners declared over the weekend we can some good competition with some big reputations being put on the line already and should be a wonderful opening contest. The top two of DIDTHEYLEAVEYOUOUTTO and THE BIG BITE have an impressive win ratio with four wins from five career starts each and their only defeat was the Champion Bumper at the festival in March. They should ensure a decent pace and will be hard to beat, if they are vulnerable to anything giving away 8lb to the rest it would probably be Nicky Henderson's MISTER FISHER [WON 7/2] who won on the AW here over 2m and will be well schooled by the champion trainer for sure.

13:20  32Red.com Chase (Novices' Limited Handicap) (Class 3) 
2m 4f 110y, 13 Runners.

Our first big field handicap chase has £14k to the winner and VIVAS heads the weights with a good recent run of three wins out of four, some of these in small fields around Plumpton and Fontwell so this is a significant step up really though going the right way over fences. Conceding weight to the likes of GLEN FORSA [WON 7/1] and AWAKE AT MIDNIGHT might be difficult and these two come here with wins in decent sized fields so the near stone in weight they get will make them very interesting in the betting. 

13:55  32Red Kauto Star Novices' Chase (Grade 1) (Class 1)
3m, 7 Runners

Formally known as the FELTHAM NOVICE CHASE this is now renamed as the Kauto Star Chase after the multiple King George and Gold Cup winner. Loses a little of it's charm for me personally as a traditionalist but never mind this year's renewal has a small field of just seven line up here, BAGS GROOVE has won his last three chases, but will probably have to concede to SANTINI here today a decent Grade One winning hurdler has taken to fences straight away with an opening success at Newbury and should be hard to beat. 

Paul Nicholls and Harry Cobden have been in great form on the big weekends so support for his TOPOFTHEGAME today would be interesting and this 150 rated hurdler should be looked at in future once he's had a bit more experience over the larger obstacles.

14:30  Unibet Christmas Hurdle (Grade 1) (Class 1)
2m, 5 Runners

Another Grade 1 but another small field with the Irish challenge remaining at home and not a lot of depth now in the Champion Hurdle events to be fair, so we have just the five runners with current Champion BUVEUR D'AIR a 1/5F to take this prize and move onto a defence of his crown in March. A race with no real attraction other than seeing this great horse cruise home safely. Global Citizen is the one for the forecast.

15:05  32Red King George VI Chase (Grade 1) (Class 1)
3m, 10 Runners

We have an exciting renewal for this years King George VI chase, a field of ten and 3 miles the trip, 18 fences to tackle and most of these have been here before with two former winners MIGHT BITE and THISTLECRACK returning too. Might Bite was not the force he was in his comeback run and while Thistlecrack and Coneygree ran with great credit after injuries it might be the turn of Gold Cup winner NATIVE RIVER to take this before being aimed at the Gold Cup defence later. 

Bristol De Mai was an easy winner at Newbury in the Betfair Chase but is never the same force going this way around and might be taken on for the lead which will make it an open contest. The interesting one on the upgrade is the 7yo WAITING PATIENTLY who has successfully won their five chases to date and though has to improve again to beat the Gold Cup class horses but could be the danger. 

Demonstrating the 'vintage' quality of this year's field, the 2017 runner Double Shuffle (40-1) and third-placed Tea For Two (50-1) are rated among the outsiders as is the 2015 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Coneygree (33-1) who ran well on his latest comeback and could go really well at a decent price.

15:40  32Red Download The App Handicap Hurdle (Class 3)
2m 5f,  14 Runners

Our finale is a handicap hurdle which has attracted the largest field of the day, fourteen go to post, headed by Ballyandy who will do well to get around carrying 12st 2lb today and conceding plenty of weight to the likes of Penn Lane and Erick Le Rouge. 

Interesting horse is WHO'S MY JOCKEY the correct answer today is Richard Johnson who rarely leaves this meeting without a winner. I would like to see the price of THE SWEENEY (forecast 16/1) who was staying on but not near to the winner when 3rd here last month, if I can get a place bet on that will be happy.

Hope you enjoying your Boxing Day and still have a bit of turkey left over, wish you all the best for the end of the year for those of you disappointed that we didn't have a White Christmas here's what it would have looked like.

Good start to the day with winners in the opening two contests, hopefully a sign of a change of fortunes. 

We'll be back with a new season on the flat in January 2019. 

KEMPTON PARK RACECOURSE BOXING DAY 'KING GEORGE VI' MEETING 2017

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL

The year feels like it's flown by once again and here we are looking at the end of December with our season on the flat already finished at Kempton but we return over the jumps for one more big meeting. So on Boxing Day the NH meeting at Kempton Park will be our final event till next year comes around and it of course will feature King George VI Chase. 

Will Thistlecrack be able to return and repeat his win of last year, and will we see another star in the making and will the Irish trainers send over anything special to take on the home team or keep them safe across the Irish Sea and leave it till Cheltenham. I do remember when the best of the French chasers came over but that seems to have stopped now too. There are of course plenty of supporting events including the Feltham Novices Chase won last year by Royal Vacation and the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle which was won by Yanworth before he disappointed in the Champion Hurdle.

We will have a six race card on Tuesday, plenty of quality events leading up to the King George VI itself at 3:05pm. 

Here are our thoughts and selections for the rest of the card;


12:45  32Red Casino Novices' Hurdle (Class 2) 
2m [8 Runners]

We kick off the Boxing day meeting with a decent novice hurdle, although just the eight runners declared over the weekend we can some good competition with the major yards represented as expected.

The top two look likely to fight it out but seem too short for this event so will pass over both IF THE CAP FITS, and DIESE DES BIEFFES and will take them on with the inform Dan Skelton trained SOLOMON GREY [3rd 7/1] for who Harry Skelton rides.

13:20  32Red.com Chase (Novices' Limited Handicap) (Class 3) 
2m 4f 110y, 9 Runners.

Paul Nicholls has TOUCH KICK [3rd 15/2] here who recently won a Novice Chase at Sandown and although rated a few pounds lower than some of the principles should have more to come from such a strong yard. 

As an outsider to consider, certainly for the place market, is BAD BOY DU POULDU [Pulled Up] who gets all the weight concessions here and has Bryony Frost in the saddle. 


13:55  32Red Kauto Star Novices' Chase (Grade 1) (Class 1)
3m, 7 Runners

Formally known as the FELTHAM NOVICE CHASE this is now the Kauto Star Chase which loses a little of it's charm for me personally. Just the seven line up here, where BLACK CORTON [WON 4/1] will be popular with only the one defeat (last time out) but a string of wins prior to that. Also WEST APPROACH [3rd 11/1] for Colin Tizzard and Tom Scudamore at a meeting they tend to do well at.

14:30  Unibet Christmas Hurdle (Grade 1) (Class 1)
2m, 5 Runners

Another Grade 1 but another small field with the Irish challenge remaining at home and not a lot of depth now in the Champion Hurdle fair we have just the five runners. 

Current Champion BUVEUR D'AIR [WON 2/11] will be a short price today to win again and while The New One and Old Guard are ok they don't likely to trouble the Henderson horse today. A race to watch and enjoy really with the likely next stop for the winner the Champion Hurdle again.

15:05  32Red King George VI Chase (Grade 1) (Class 1)
3m, 8 Runners

We have an exciting renewal for this years King George VI chase, a field of eight and 3 miles the trip, 18 fences to tackle and most of these have been here before with last years winner THISTLECRACK still on the comeback trail but good enough if fit enough and BRISTOL DE MAI a wide margin winner of the Betfair Chase also of interest.

At a big price is TEA FOR TWO [3rd 20/1] who has won around here under Lizzie Kelly and might be able to take a place if any of the principles fails to shine (or falls). 

15:40  32Red Download The App Handicap Hurdle (Class 3)
2m 5f,  15 Runners

The only race with a decent field and fifteen line up for the concluding hurdle with DASHING OSCAR [12th 15/2] a strong fancy for this for trainer Harry Fry. Also of interest is TAKE TO HEART [Non Runner] who runs in the colours of Her Majesty The Queen who doesn't have that many NH horses so must be worth a second look here today.

Enjoy your Boxing Day and all the best for the end of the year for those of you disappointed that we didn't have a White Christmas here's what it would have looked like.

We'll be back with a new season in January 2018. 

KEMPTON PARK BOXING DAY 'KING GEORGE VI' MEETING 2016

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2016

The year feels like it's flown by once again and here we are looking at the end of December with our season on the flat already finished at Kempton but we return over the jumps for one more big meeting. So on Boxing Day the NH meeting at Kempton Park will be our final event till next year comes around and it of course will feature King George VI Chase. 

Will Cue Card be able to repeat his win of last year win, and will Willie Mullins send over another of his top horses to contest this Grade 1 contest (nope it would seem not). There are of course plenty of supporting events including the Feltham Novices Chase won last year by Lizzie Kelly on Tea for Two and the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle which was won by Faugheen before his season was ended by injury.

We will have a 6 race card on Monday, plenty of quality events leading up to the King George VI itself at 3:10pm. 

Here are our thoughts and selections for the rest of the card;

12:55 William Hill On Your Mobile Novices' Hurdle 
(4yo+, Class 2, 2m)

We kick off the Boxing day meeting with a decent novice hurdle, although just the eight runners declared over the weekend we can some good competition with the major yards represented as expected. 

JENKINS seems to be the likely favourite having won a maiden hurdle at Newbury and from the strong Henderson yard, could be odds on so the value option could be GLARING with Richard Johnson in the saddle.  

13:30 William Hill Winter Festival Novices' Limited Handicap Chase 
(4yo+, Class 3, 2m 4f 110y)

Tricky little handicap chase now with just the seven declared so each-way options are limited. We will take two against the field in this with GOLD PRESENT and POKER SCHOOL both in decent form and should go well again here. 

14:05 Kauto Star Novices' Chase (In Memory Of Nigel Clark) -- Formerly The Feltham Novices' Chase 
(Grade 1) (4yo+, Class 1, 3m)

We've got 10 declared for the Grade 1 Feltham Novices Chase, they might keep messing about with the name of these contests but for me it'll always be the Feltham. Our winner from last year TEA FOR TWO will now be going for the King George race later so it does often bring forward a future star (Coneygree won this before taking the Gold Cup too). 

Not too many Irish raiders this year which might be down to the terrible weather being experienced so the fact that Tony Martin has sent over ANIBALE FLY who has run well this term even in his most recent defeat at Fairyhouse. 

The home challenge is dominated by Paul Nicholls with two, PRESENT MAN / FRODON and Nicky Henderson is also double handed with CARACCI APACHE / MIGHT BITE.

14:40 Williamhill.com Christmas Hurdle 
(Grade 1) (4yo+, Class 1, 2m)

A small but select field of five declared for the major supporting race on King George Day, this Grade 1 hurdle has often been the main race for the English Champion Hurdle hopes though recently the Irish have come over and plundered. No Irish representative this year and looks like a match between THE NEW ONE and YANWORTH. 

THE NEW ONE was a comfortable winner over My Tent or Yours at Cheltenham a few weeks ago and should be too good again. Goes well here and is the one to beat at Xmas before being well beaten once he returns to Cheltenham in March for the big one.

15:15 William Hill King George VI Chase 
(Grade 1) (4yo+, Class 1, 3m)

The feature race now and a strong but select field as you would expect with most in with a shout of the crown. Last years victor CUE CARD looks the likely favourite with the form in the book, his chance is obvious but the fly in the ointment is provided by stablemate THISTLECRACK. This top class staying hurdler has taken well to fences and rather than going for the Feltham Chase earlier in the card is bumped straight into top class company. Wouldn't be the biggest shock if he takes this, but it's his first real test for a while. 

Of the remaining runners Silviniaco Conti is not the horse that won this in 2013 and 2014 and has been beaten comprehensively by Cue Card in the Betfair Chase, and Josses Hill comfortably beat last year’s Feltham Novices winner Tea For Two in the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon but there are stamina concerns here.


15:45 William Hill World Darts Championship Handicap Hurdle 
(3yo+, Class 3, 2m 5f)

Our finale for this year is a handicap hurdle, has 16 declared and I guarantee at least one will drop out to spoil the 4 places here. 

Plenty with chances, you shouldn't ignore the Pipe horses in handicaps and they have DELL ARCA at 16/1 here might have joint top weight but Tom Scu can bring about some improvement after a decent lay off and catching him fresh could be the best time. 

Gary Moore won this last year and has two outsiders at the bottom end of the weights today, so have a look at KING COOL and MR FICKLE in the place markets if there's still 4 places on offer both about 50/1 and having been racing around Towcester might prefer this flat track closer to home. 

If INSTANT KARMA stays this new trip could be a rare jumps winner for Michael Bell.

Enjoy your Boxing Day and all the best for the end of the year for those of you disappointed that we didn't have a White Christmas here's what it would have looked like.

We'll be back with a new season in January 2017.