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Leading Contenders For The King George VI Chase 2024

Leading Contenders For The King George VI Chase 2024 at Kempton Racecourse

The King George VI Chase, first run in 1937 and named after the reigning monarch at the time, is a cornerstone of the Christmas racing program at Kempton.

Historically, the race has been dominated by exceptional staying chasers, with legendary horses like Kauto Star winning the race a record five times between 2006 and 2011.

In this article I'll be assessing the likely leading contenders for the King George VI Chase 2024 taking part on Boxing Day.

News Flash:

As if the waters have not been muddied enough in this race, a new French challenger has entered the fray in the form of Juntos Ganamos.

His Chantilly-based trainer David Cottin is supplementing him at a cost of £4,600 on the strength of wins in several Grade 3 races and a 3rd place in a Grade 1 recently at  Auteuil.

Recent News: Spillane's Tower Primed for King George VI Chase Supplementary Entry

JP McManus might have two shots at his first King George VI Chase win, with Spillane's Tower potentially joining Corbetts Cross at Kempton on December 26, depending on the ground being soft.

Cheltenham Gold Cup favourite Fact To File, also owned by McManus, will skip the race and instead aim for another potential epic battle with Galopin Des Champs in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown.

The surprising absence of ante-post favourite Gaelic Warrior and seven other Willie Mullins horses has shaken up the race. But McManus's racing manager Frank Berry says they plan to add Spillane's Tower, who was second in the John Durkan Memorial Chase last time out.

The Jimmy Mangan-trained six-year-old wrapped up his novice chasing season brilliantly last spring with Grade 1 wins at Fairyhouse and Punchestown. He handled the step up to open company well, narrowly losing to Fact To File in a thrilling John Durkan at Punchestown, even finishing ahead of two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs.

The King George looks likely to be his next race if the ground is right, and he'll be added to the field for £4,600 on December 20.

"We'll run Spillane's Tower at Kempton if the ground is soft," Berry said. "He's still got some work to do, but he's in good shape. We'll make a last-minute decision based on the ground conditions. Kempton can dry out quickly, so we'll wait and see how it's looking."

Shock news 

Willie Mullins withdraws all his intended runners including the ante post favourite and leading contender Gaelic Warrior.

The 2024 Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton has been dramatically reshaped by the unexpected withdrawal of Gaelic Warrior, creating an intriguing betting landscape that has thrust Corbetts Cross and Envoi Allen into joint favouritism.

Willie Mullins' shock decision to scratch all eight of his entries, including dual Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs and last season's star Il Etait Temps, has transformed the competitive outlook of this prestigious Christmas racing highlight.

Ladbrokes' spokesman Alex Apati described the development as "a huge shake-up", with Emmet Mullins' Corbetts Cross and Henry de Bromhead's Envoi Allen now heading the market at 4-1.

Envoi Allen brings impressive recent form, including victory in the Ladbrokes Champion Chase at Down Royal in November, beating Hewick by a half-length.

2nd in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham in March beaten by Protektorat.

4th in the My Pension Expert Melling Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

1st in the Ladbrokes Champion Chase (Grade 1)

At Down Royal in November 2024 beating Hewick by ½ length

Corbetts Cross counters with his own strong credentials, including a Grade 2 win in the Maureen Mullins National Hunt Challenge Cup at Cheltenham.

Corbetts Cross contested races in 2024. 

Fell while in contention as the odds on  favourite in the Fairyhouse Easter Festival 30th March To 1st April Rated Chase 3m on Heavy 15 fences

1st in the Maureen Mullins National Hunt Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys' Novices' Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race) at Cheltenham

3rd in the William Hill Bowl Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

2nd in the Michael Hickey Memorial Chase (Listed Race) at Wexford in October 2024

JP McManus-owned Corbetts Cross has an impressive pedigree, having won last season's National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in spectacular fashion.

Under jockey Derek O'Connor, he stormed to a commanding 17-length victory, showcasing his potential as a top-class chaser.

Following that breakthrough performance, Emmet Mullins stepped the horse up to open Grade 1 company at Aintree, where he finished a respectable third behind Gerri Colombe.

The trainer has been strategic with the horse's campaign, choosing to bypass the Betfair Chase - a decision that now appears astute following the event. "He didn't go to the Betfair Chase and that looks a wise decision now," Mullins explained. "Fingers crossed, we can get him to the King George."

Corbetts Cross' second-place finish at Wexford, conceding over a stone to the winner was seen as a positive preparation, with Mullins noting the horse needed the race and is now tracking well towards the Kempton showpiece.

The remaining field also contains some interesting possibilities. Last year's winner Hewick and runner-up Bravemansgame remain serious contenders.

Hewick has yet to win a race since winning last year's race but his recent runs have been encouraging for trainer John Hanlon including a 1/2 length defeat to Envoi Allen in the Ladbrokes Champion Chase (Grade 1) at Down Royal in November.

While British hopes could rest with L'Homme Presse, fourth in the Gold Cup, and Protektorat.

Bookmakers line up for the Gold Cup 2016

Key entries include:

- Hewick: Previous King George winner

- Bravemansgame: Last year's runner-up

- L'Homme Presse: Gold Cup performer

- Royale Pagaille: Recent Betfair Chase winner

- Banbridge: Silviniaco Conti Chase victor

Willie Mullins' racing manager explained Gaelic Warrior's absence, stating he won't race until Christmas and preferring his first run to be over shorter distances.

The withdrawal has dramatically altered the betting landscape, with Ladbrokes offering Corbetts Cross and Envoi Allen at 4-1, followed by L'Homme Presse at 7-1, creating an unpredictable and exciting renewal of this historic race.

The Impact of Willie Mullins' Withdrawals on the King George VI Chase

Willie Mullins' decision to withdraw his entire King George VI Chase team has dramatically reshaped the race. Here's how I think this may impact the dynamics of the race:

Tactical Changes

Pace of the Race: With the absence of high-class pace setters like Galopin Des Champs and Il Etait Temps, the race could develop into a tactical affair. Horses like Hewick and Protektorat, who relish a strongly run race, might be disadvantaged.

Different Tactics: Trainers might adopt different tactics. Some might opt for a more conservative approach, biding their time and launching a late challenge. Others might look to make early running and dictate the pace.

Increased Opportunity for Others

Second-Tier Horses: The withdrawal of top-class horses opens up opportunities for second-tier contenders. Horses like L'Homme Presse and Bravemansgame could benefit from a less competitive field.

Surprise Packages: The race could throw up a surprise winner. A horse with untapped potential, like Corbetts Cross or Envoi Allen, could seize the moment and claim victory.

Betting Implications

Fluctuating Odds: The withdrawal of key contenders will lead to significant fluctuations in the betting market. Punters should keep a close eye on the odds and be prepared to react to late changes.

Value Bets: The withdrawals could create value betting opportunities. Horses that were previously overlooked might now be worth considering.

Conclusion for the leading contenders for the King George VI Chase 2024

With 16 acceptors and a betting market as tight as this year's renewal, the 2024 King George VI Chase promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, challenging punters and delighting racing enthusiasts with its depth of talent and potential for drama.

The year's King George promises to live up to its status as one of the most prestigious races in the National Hunt calendar and worthy of past legends such as Kauto Star.

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