King George VI Chase 2026
KEMPTON
RACE INFO
WHEN IS THE NEXT KING GEORGE VI CHASE?
26th December 2026
THE JEWEL OF CHRISTMAS RACING
CHASE
Distance: 3 miles (4,828 metres)
Surface: Turf
PRIZE MONEY
Winner: £148,098
Prize Fund: £260,050
ENTRY
Qualification: Four-year-olds+
Weight: 7lb for Mares
KING GEORGE VI CHASE BOOKMAKER
BETFRED
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ODDS & RUNNERS 2026
No horse is guaranteed a position in the race until the final declaration stage. Check the odds with your Bookmaker before placing a bet, as fluctuations occur. Full Terms and Conditions for the promotional bet offers can be found on the respective websites – read them before you sign up. Important to Remember: Please be aware that when you place a bet on a horse in the ante-post market and your chosen horse is subsequently withdrawn from the race for any reason, your ante-post bet is considered lost. In such cases, the bookmaker will retain your stake.
| No | Horse | Odds | Age | Weight | Jockey | Trainer | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Gaelic Warrior | 3/1 | 11-10 | Unknown | W P Mullins | ||
| 3 | Jango Baie | 7/1 | 11-10 | Unknown | Nicky Henderson | ||
| 4 | Kitzbuhel | 8/1 | 11-10 | Unknown | W P Mullins | ||
| 1 | The Jukebox Man | 8/1 | 11-10 | Unknown | Ben Pauling | ||
| 9 | Lulamba | 16/1 | 11-10 | Unknown | Nicky Henderson | ||
| 6 | Il Etait Temps | 16/1 | 11-10 | Unknown | W P Mullins | ||
| 5 | Final Demand | 18/1 | 11-10 | Unknown | W P Mullins | ||
| 10 | Caldwell Potter | 20/1 | 11-10 | Unknown | Paul Nicholls | ||
| 7 | Romeo Coolio | 20/1 | 11-10 | Unknown | Gordon Elliott | ||
| 8 | Banbridge | 22/1 | 11-10 | Unknown | Joseph Patrick O'Brien | ||
| 11 | Jonbon | 25/1 | 11-10 | Unknown | Nicky Henderson | ||
| 15 | Il Est Francais | 40/1 | 11-10 | Unknown | Tom George | ||
| 13 | Sixmilebridge | 40/1 | 11-10 | Unknown | Fergal O'Brien | ||
| 12 | Wendigo | 50/1 | 11-10 | Unknown | Jamie Snowden | ||
| 14 | Djelo | 50/1 | 11-10 | Unknown | Venetia Williams |
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PREDICTIONS & RACE TIPS
Please come back closer to the race date in 2026 for our predictions and race tips!
2025 King George VI Chase Winner
The Jukebox Man landed the 2025 Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton in a tight finish, edging out Banbridge after a protracted duel on the run-in.
Ridden by Ben Jones for trainer Ben Pauling, and owner Harry Redknapp, the seven-year-old tracked long-time leader Il Est Francais for much of the three miles before moving to the front turning for home.
Banbridge, last year’s winner, came from off the pace to lead at the last, with Gaelic Warrior and Jango Baie also in close contention at the final fence.
The Jukebox Man was headed but rallied in the final strides to regain the advantage on the line, with Banbridge a nose back in second and Gaelic Warrior another nose away in third, Jango Baie finishing half a length further behind in fourth.
Djelo stayed on for fifth, ahead of Fact To File, with Master Chewy well beaten and Il Est Francais pulled up after weakening quickly.
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RACE OVERVIEW
The King George VI Chase, often regarded as one of the crown jewels of jump racing, is among the most prestigious events in the British horse racing calendar.
Taking place each year on Boxing Day, it forms the centrepiece of Kempton Park’s festive meeting, attracting top-class horses, trainers, and racing enthusiasts from across the nation.
The race is run over 3 miles (approximately 4,828 meters) and features 18 challenging fences, putting both skill and stamina to the ultimate test.
As a Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase, it consistently draws elite contenders, many of whom go on to compete in the Cheltenham Gold Cup later in the season.
Legendary winners include Desert Orchid, Kauto Star, and Clan Des Obeaux.
Its mix of speed, jumping precision, and holiday cheer has made it a beloved Boxing Day tradition for fans and families alike.
Beyond the thrilling on-track action, the atmosphere at Kempton Park is uniquely festive, complete with Christmas-inspired food stalls, warm drinks, and a jubilant crowd.
Pivotal In The Jumps Racing Calendar
The King George VI Chase is a cornerstone of the British National Hunt season, serving as the highlight of the Christmas racing period and a pivotal point in the jump racing calendar.
Scheduled every Boxing Day at Kempton Park, its Grade 1 status and prestigious roll of winners place it second only to the Cheltenham Gold Cup in terms of importance.
The Chase provides an early-season test for leading staying chasers and often acts as a form guide for the Cheltenham Festival in March, with many runners using it as a springboard to greater honours.
Alongside other key winter contests like the Betfair Chase and the Ascot Chase, the King George forms part of a select series of elite staying chases that define the upper tier of the division.
Its reputation for attracting the top horses from Britain and Ireland ensures its continued influence on the story of the season.
Historic Roots
The King George VI Chase, first held in February 1937 at Kempton Park, was established to honour the new monarch, King George VI, following his accession to the throne.
The inaugural race featured only four runners and was won by Southern Hero, who at 12 remains the oldest ever winner of the race.
Initially a modest event, the race was suspended during World War II when Kempton Park served as a prisoner-of-war camp. In 1947, the contest returned with a new identity as a Boxing Day tradition, a move that grew its popularity and prestige dramatically.
Now a Grade 1 steeplechase over three miles and 18 fences, the King George VI Chase is second in status only to the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Legendary names such as Desert Orchid and Kauto Star, the latter with a record five wins, have helped seal its place as an iconic fixture in British jump racing.
RACING & KING GEORGE VI CHASE NEWS
The Jukebox Man Gives Harry Redknapp King George Glory
King George VI Chase 2025 Runners: Can Jango Baie Take on the Irish Big Guns?
King George VI Chase 2025 Gets 20 Entries For The Boxing Day Spectacular
Can The King George VI Chase Predict The Cheltenham Gold Cup Winner?
TRENDS & STATS
Age Profile: 6 to 8 Years Old
Over the past decade, the vast majority of King George winners have been between six and eight years old. Horses in this age band have the ideal combination of experience, maturity, and peak physical condition for this demanding Grade 1 contest.
While older horses occasionally spring a surprise, the stats favour up-and-coming chasers just entering their prime, making this a useful filter when narrowing down the field for your Boxing Day selections.
Recent Form: Top 3 Last Time Out
A striking trend highlights that nearly all recent winners finished in the first three on their latest start before Kempton. Arriving in strong recent form is vital, as it shows the horse is fit, healthy, and ready to compete at Grade 1 level.
Horses coming off a poor run or seasonal debut typically struggle, so look for entrants who’ve shown winning or placing form in one of the top autumn staying chases.
Minimum One Run in Current Season
Every winner since 2000 has already run at least once earlier that season before landing the King George. Most have had two or three prior outings, so horses making their seasonal reappearance, regardless of talent, should be opposed.
This trend underscores the need for fitness and race-sharpness in mid-winter; a pipe-opener at another major meeting is an especially positive sign for Boxing Day glory.
Favourites and Single-Figure Odds
Nearly half of King George victors in the 21st century started as the race favourite, and over 80% have returned a single-figure Starting Price.
While the race occasionally produces a surprise, the betting market is generally a good guide, so it’s unusual for a long-shot to win.
Sticking to horses at the top of the betting, particularly those favoured in the market, is a sensible move based on historical statistics.
Proven Stamina Over Three Miles
Likely winners of the King George VI Chase have typically already won over at least three miles beforehand. Even though Kempton is a right-handed, relatively flat track, the race’s tempo and demands mean untested stayers rarely triumph.
Horses who have already succeeded at this distance demonstrate not only the stamina but the tactical speed needed to handle the King George’s unique challenges, so this should form a non-negotiable part of your analysis.
TICKETS & PRICING
For 2026, the King George VI Chase is scheduled to take place at Kempton Racecourse on Friday, 26 December 2026, at 14:30.
Here's everything you need to know about attending this great British Classic:
General Admission Ticket Prices
- Festival Enclosure:
- Adults: £18
- Paddock Enclosure:
- Adults: £33
- Premier Enclosure:
- Adults: £45
The Premier enclosure offers exclusive access to the 1st floor of the Grandstand building and views over the Racecourse closest to the winning line.
Premier Seating
From £65 per person, Premier Reserved Seating is the only way to guarantee a seat to watch the action on course. Seats sell incredibly quickly.
Kauto Club
From £125 per person, the Kauto Star Bar offers a unique view into the Weighing Room, private bar facility and Premier Enclosure access to the Racecourse.
How to Buy Tickets
Tickets are currently available through the official Kempton Racecourse website.
- Festival Enclosure:
VISITOR TIPS
Here's a clear, helpful list of tips for visitors attending the King George VI Chase at Kempton:
- Travel Early to Beat the Crowds
Boxing Day at Kempton draws thousands of fans, so trains and car parks fill up quickly. Arrive early to secure a good spot and enjoy the festive build-up. Kempton Park has its own train station right next to the entrance, offering a direct 30-minute link from London Waterloo.
- Dress for Winter Weather
Kempton Park’s grandstands are mostly uncovered, and the December weather can be cold and wet. Bundle up with warm coats, waterproof footwear, hats, and scarves. While smart dress is favoured in premium enclosures, comfort and weatherproofing are key for outdoor areas.
- Plan Your Day and Explore the Site
The King George VI Chase is part of a larger Christmas Festival with several top races and family-friendly entertainment. Grab a raceday programme or use the venue map and the Jockey Club app to find food stalls, bars, toilets, and seating areas.
- Use Public Transport If Possible
Trains and local buses are the easiest way to reach the racecourse, avoiding potential delays and full car parks. Kempton Park Station is served on race days, and buses from Sunbury and Richmond also stop nearby.
- Bring Contactless Payment
Most vendors and bars at Kempton are now cashless. Bring your bank card or mobile payment app for seamless transactions on food, drink, and betting windows.
- Allow Extra Time When Leaving
With a huge post-race exodus, expect queues for trains, taxis, and car parks after the final race. Consider staying back for a drink or meal on site to let the crowd thin out, this can make your departure more relaxed.
These travel tips will help make your King George VI Chase experience comfortable, enjoyable, and stress-free.
HISTORY
The King George VI Chase is one of the cornerstone events of British National Hunt racing, a Grade 1 steeplechase run at Kempton Park each year on Boxing Day.
Established in 1937 to honour the newly crowned monarch King George VI, the inaugural race saw only four runners, with twelve-year-old Southern Hero winning—an age record that still stands.
After being run just twice before World War II, the race was suspended as Kempton Park was requisitioned as a prisoner-of-war camp. Following the war, the King George VI Chase returned in 1947 on its now-traditional December 26th slot, instantly becoming a Boxing Day institution.
As National Hunt racing grew in popularity, the King George adapted quickly, becoming a true midwinter championship that tested the best staying chasers in Britain and Ireland over three miles and eighteen demanding Kempton fences.
The postwar years saw the race blossom, especially once Irish raider Cottage Rake, already a Gold Cup victor, claimed a famous win in 1948, establishing the King George as a legitimate championship test.
Television added to its visibility in 1949, and the race’s roll of honour reads like a who’s-who of chasing royalty. Legends such as Mill House, Arkle, Pendil, and, perhaps most famously, Desert Orchid (whose four victories between 1986 and 1990 captivated the public) are all etched into its history.
The modern era saw the brilliant Kauto Star set an unmatched record with five wins (2006–09, 2011), all trained by Paul Nicholls, who stands as the race’s most successful trainer.
Sandown Park briefly hosted the race in 1995 and 2005 due to exceptional weather and redevelopment at Kempton, but it remains firmly associated with its Sunbury home.
Today, the King George VI Chase is second only to the Cheltenham Gold Cup in prestige, regularly drawing the season’s best chasers, and remains a festive highlight for the racing world and the public alike.
VIDEOS
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FAQs
- When is the King George VI Chase run?
- What type of race is it?
- Who can enter the race?
- Why is the race named King George VI?
- Which horse has won it the most times?
- Who are famous past winners?
- What time does the King George VI Chase start?
- Is the race broadcast live?
- How much is the prize money?
- Is the King George VI Chase linked to the Cheltenham Gold Cup?
Boxing Day, 26th December each year at Kempton Park Racecourse.
A Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase, run over three miles with eighteen fences.
Open to horses aged four years or older.
It honours King George VI, first run in 1937 after his accession.
Kauto Star holds the record with five wins between 2006 and 2011.
Desert Orchid (four wins), Arkle, Pendil, and Kauto Star are iconic winners.
The feature race is scheduled for 2:30pm.
Yes, live on ITV1 and streamed on ITVX.
The winner’s share is usually around £150,000.
Yes, it’s considered the key trial for the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.
These FAQs cover the essential details and recurring queries about the King George VI Chase for both newcomers and racing enthusiasts.
