Ladbrokes King George VI Chase
Grade 1, Kempton Park 14:30
£250,000 guaranteed,
4yo plus,
3m, Class 1  
Friday 26th December 2025

DEC 10, 2025 Banbridge and Il Est Francais, last year’s one-two, are back in the mix, joined by current market principals Gaelic Warrior and Jango Baie among the 15 still standing their ground.

Twelve months ago Il Est Francais seemed to have matters at his mercy, skipping clear as though the race were his private rehearsal. Yet the stride shortened, the last fence loomed, and Banbridge – late, fast and full of purpose – swept past to steal the headlines for Joseph O’Brien.

Neither has hit top notes since. Il Est Francais has crossed the Channel for a fresh chapter with Tom George in Gloucestershire but cut little ice on his Ascot return. Banbridge, meanwhile, is winless since that Kempton triumph, though his run at Cork on Sunday suggested there’s spark yet, given the trip looked shy of ideal.

Gaelic Warrior heads the ante-post lists after edging out stablemate Fact To File in a pulsating John Durkan at Punchestown. Fact To File may yet travel, with Grangeclare West another possible from the Mullins battalions.

Jango Baie, recalled for last season’s Arkle only when Sir Gino dropped out, turned drama into glory over two miles. Most of his form lies beyond that trip, and his return at Ascot over two-five hinted strongly that three miles could play to his strengths.

Last year’s meeting also smiled on The Jukebox Man, successful as a novice for Ben Pauling and now returning triumphant at Haydock. He figures prominently in early discussions.

Venetia Williams’ Djelo demands equal respect, having already bagged the Charlie Hall and Peterborough Chase this campaign.

His regular rider Charlie Deutsch told Sky Sports Racing: “I’ve had plenty of goes on him now and he is what he is, he’s quite a hot head! The minute you get on him in the paddock he starts spinning round.

“He doesn’t give fences any air, he’s quick over them and very measured – he’s just a lovely horse.

“I’m not certain what his best trip is, he’s run over three miles twice now and and it’s just nice that he can do both. We’ll learn more as I think he’s going to the King George now, why not? It’s probably a good way of finding out what trip he wants.”

And there’s more strength in depth: Martin Brassil’s dual Grade One hero Fastorslow remains engaged, while Gordon Elliott keeps faith with Croke Park and Firefox. Henry de Bromhead adds further Irish muscle through Heart Wood, and lurking with intrigue is the French-trained Kolokico, an unknown quantity but certainly no afterthought.

Ladbrokes King George VI Chase
£250,000 guaranteed, 4yo plus, 3m, Class 1
15 remaining entries
Going:

NO. FORM HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY (form as of Dec 10)
1 U17-44 Banbridge 9 11-10 Joseph O'Brien
2 127-33 Croke Park 7 11-10 Gordon Elliott
3 176-11 Djelo 7 11-10 Venetia Williams
4 231-42 Fact To File 8 11-10 W P Mullins
5 U/14-3 Fastorslow 9 11-10 Martin Brassil
6 2362-1 Firefox 7 11-10 Gordon Elliott
7 2311-1 Gaelic Warrior 7 11-10 W P Mullins
8 2535-8 Grangeclare West 9 11-10 W P Mullins
9 42P-14 Heart Wood 7 11-10 Henry De Bromhead
10 261-3P Il Est Francais 7 11-10 Tom George
11 1213-1 Jango Baie 6 11-10 Nicky Henderson
12 42-222 Kolokico 5 11-10 Emmanuel Clayeux
13 4/31P- L'Homme Presse 10 11-10 Venetia Williams
14 156-24 Master Chewy 8 11-10 Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies
15 2/11-1 The Jukebox Man 7 11-10 Ben Pauling

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