Allaho leads a group of six contenders for the highly anticipated King George race
Boxing Day Racing Preview: King George VI Chase and Christmas Hurdle
The highly anticipated Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day is set to showcase a field of six contenders, with the ante-post favourite Allaho leading the pack. Boasting an impressive record of eight wins from 13 chase starts, including two dominant victories in the Ryanair Chase and a commanding Punchestown Gold Cup triumph in 2022, Allaho has already established himself as a force to be reckoned with.
Last year’s champion Bravemansgame will return to defend his title under the guidance of trainer Paul Nicholls. However, his campaign this season hasn’t gone according to plan so far, having suffered odds-on defeats in both the Charlie Hall at Wetherby and the Betfair Chase at Haydock.
Frodon, who claimed victory in this race back in 2020, adds another strong contender for Nicholls’ stable. Regular partner Bryony Frost will once again take up the ride for this prestigious event.
Nicky Henderson-trained Shishkin finds himself on a redemption mission as he makes his seasonal debut. After refusing to start at Ascot last month and encountering testing ground conditions that scuppered his planned Fighting Fifth Hurdle prep at Sandown, Shishkin is eager to prove himself on Boxing Day.
The line-up is completed by The Real Whacker, winner of the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham last season, and Hewick from Shark Hanlon’s yard. Unfortunately, Gerri Colombe and Royale Pagaille will not be participating as expected.
In the Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle, the headline act is Constitution Hill, trained by Nicky Henderson. This two-mile champion is heavily favored to extend his unbeaten run over hurdles. The next best contender on ratings is Rubaud from Paul Nicholls’ yard, although with a considerable 26lb deficit.
Henderson also fields First Street alongside Constitution Hill, while Kerry Lee potentially has a double-handed challenge with Black Poppy and Nemean Lion. Alan King’s Sceau Royal completes the line-up for this thrilling hurdle race.
Representing France in the Ladbrokes Kauto Star Novices’ Chase is Il Est Francais. Trained by Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm, Il Est Francais has been a dominant force domestically but faces stiff competition at Kempton. The five rivals include Nicholls’ Hermes Allen, Giovinco, Kilbeg King, Marble Sands, and Tightenourbelts.
Unfortunately for Irish racing fans, there will be no representation from Ireland in this particular event as Mullins and Gordon Elliott did not declare Grangeclare West,
Klassical Dream or Imagine respectively.