The King George VI Chase is the feature race of Kempton Park’s Boxing Day programme and one of the most important three-mile chases in the National Hunt calendar.
The 2026 Ladbrokes King George VI Chase takes place on Saturday 26 December at Kempton Park. The Grade 1 contest brings together established staying chasers and horses seeking to prove themselves at championship level.
The Jukebox Man won a memorable 2025 renewal for trainer Ben Pauling and jockey Ben Jones. He defeated Banbridge by a nose, with Gaelic Warrior another nose behind in third and Jango Baie close up in fourth.
The King George has produced some of jump racing’s most celebrated horses. Kauto Star won the race five times, Desert Orchid won four, and several winners have subsequently added the Cheltenham Gold Cup to their achievements.
King George VI Chase 2026: Race Overview
The King George VI Chase is a Grade 1 steeplechase run over three miles at Kempton Park. It is the main event on the first day of the racecourse’s Christmas Festival.
The race is run at level weights, subject to the applicable race conditions, rather than as a handicap. Horses therefore compete without the weight adjustments used in major handicap chases.
| Race detail | King George VI Chase 2026 |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday 26 December 2026 |
| Racecourse | Kempton Park |
| Meeting | Kempton Christmas Festival |
| Race classification | Grade 1 chase |
| Distance | Three miles |
| Surface | Turf |
| Current sponsor | Ladbrokes |
| Previous winner | The Jukebox Man (2025) |
| Most successful horse | Kauto Star, five wins |
The final race time, runners, jockey bookings and going should be checked against the official declarations nearer Boxing Day. The racecourse has confirmed the date, but its published event information states that raceday timings are subject to change.
What makes Kempton different?
Kempton is a right-handed, relatively flat track that places a premium on fluent jumping and the ability to maintain a strong gallop.
The King George is run over three miles, but its demands differ from the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Kempton’s flatter configuration can suit horses with the speed to hold their position throughout the race, while Cheltenham places greater emphasis on stamina over a longer distance and a more undulating course.
A horse that stays three miles at a demanding track does not automatically have the tactical speed required at Kempton. Equally, a King George winner may face a different stamina test at Cheltenham in March.
Our Kempton Park Racecourse guide explains the course and its major meetings.
King George VI Chase 2025: The Jukebox Man Wins a Photo Finish
The Jukebox Man won the 2025 King George VI Chase in one of the closest finishes in the race’s history.
Trained by Ben Pauling and ridden by Ben Jones, he held on by a nose from the previous year’s winner, Banbridge. Gaelic Warrior finished another nose behind in third, with Jango Baie fourth.
The Jukebox Man raced prominently and was still in contention as the field approached the final fences. Banbridge briefly gained the advantage, but The Jukebox Man responded in the closing stages to regain the lead on the line.
The result was particularly significant for Ben Pauling, who secured his first King George victory, and for Ben Jones, who was riding in the race for the first time.
The winner had already demonstrated his ability at Kempton by winning the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase over the same course and distance in December 2024.
What does the 2025 result tell us?
The 2025 renewal demonstrated how important jumping, positioning and finishing speed can be at Kempton.
The leading four horses finished close together, showing that the race can remain competitive until the final strides when several high-class chasers travel and jump well.
The Jukebox Man’s previous course-and-distance victory was also relevant. He had already shown that he could handle Kempton’s configuration and maintain his performance over three miles.
That does not mean previous Kempton form should determine the 2026 result. The strength of the field, ground conditions, pace and each horse’s current form will still matter.
Famous King George VI Chase Winners
The King George VI Chase was first run in 1937, when Southern Hero won the inaugural contest.
Its roll of honour includes some of the greatest chasers in National Hunt history.
Desert Orchid: Four King George victories
Desert Orchid won the King George in 1986, 1988, 1989 and 1990.
The popular grey was particularly effective at Kempton, where his jumping, speed and determination made him a formidable opponent.
His 1989 Cheltenham Gold Cup victory also demonstrated his ability to succeed under very different race conditions.
Desert Orchid’s four King George wins established a record that stood until Kauto Star secured his fifth victory in 2011.
Kauto Star: The record five-time winner
Kauto Star won the King George in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011 for trainer Paul Nicholls and jockey Ruby Walsh.
His four consecutive victories from 2006 to 2009 equalled Desert Orchid’s total.
Long Run defeated him in 2010, but Kauto Star returned the following year to secure a record fifth success.
He also won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2007 and 2009.
Kauto Star’s combination of speed, stamina and jumping ability made him particularly effective at Kempton. His record remains the benchmark for horses attempting to establish a lasting King George legacy.
Arkle: A champion at Kempton
Arkle won the King George in 1965.
He is widely regarded as one of the greatest chasers in racing history, with three Cheltenham Gold Cup victories among his achievements.
His King George success added another major race to an exceptional career.
Arkle’s presence on the roll of honour reflects the importance of the King George as a championship contest rather than simply a preparation race for Cheltenham.
One Man: Two victories
One Man won the King George in 1995 and 1996 for trainer Gordon Richards.
The grey was an outstanding performer around Kempton and established himself as one of the leading chasers of his generation.
He later won the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham in 1998.
His career illustrated that Kempton’s three-mile test can suit a horse whose speed is an important part of its racing ability.
Best Mate: King George and Gold Cup winner
Best Mate won the 2002 King George for trainer Henrietta Knight and jockey Jim Culloty.
He also won three consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cups in 2002, 2003 and 2004.
Best Mate’s King George victory demonstrated his versatility. He possessed the tactical speed to succeed at Kempton and the stamina required for Cheltenham’s more demanding championship race.
Frodon: A front-running Boxing Day winner
Frodon won the 2020 King George for Paul Nicholls and Bryony Frost.
He made the running and jumped boldly throughout, maintaining his advantage against a strong field.
Frodon had already won the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham in 2019 and was a dual winner of the December Gold Cup.
His King George victory demonstrated that a prominent runner can be difficult to catch at Kempton when allowed to establish a suitable rhythm.
Recent King George VI Chase Winners
| Year | Winner | Trainer | Jockey |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Thistlecrack | Colin Tizzard | Tom Scudamore |
| 2017 | Might Bite | Nicky Henderson | Nico de Boinville |
| 2018 | Clan Des Obeaux | Paul Nicholls | Harry Cobden |
| 2019 | Clan Des Obeaux | Paul Nicholls | Sam Twiston-Davies |
| 2020 | Frodon | Paul Nicholls | Bryony Frost |
| 2021 | Tornado Flyer | Willie Mullins | Danny Mullins |
| 2022 | Bravemansgame | Paul Nicholls | Harry Cobden |
| 2023 | Hewick | John Joseph Hanlon | Gavin Sheehan |
| 2024 | Banbridge | Joseph O’Brien | Paul Townend |
| 2025 | The Jukebox Man | Ben Pauling | Ben Jones |
The recent winners show that there is no single route to King George success.
Clan Des Obeaux won consecutive renewals, while Frodon succeeded through bold front-running tactics. Tornado Flyer won at a much bigger price in 2021, and Hewick produced a strong late finish to take the 2023 race.
Banbridge and The Jukebox Man added further variety to the roll of honour with their victories in 2024 and 2025.
Key King George VI Chase Trials
The King George attracts horses from several major autumn and early-winter races. Previous form can help identify suitable contenders, but no single trial guarantees success at Kempton.
Betfair Chase at Haydock
The Betfair Chase is an important early-season test for established staying chasers.
Run at Haydock in November, it gives connections an opportunity to assess a horse’s fitness and ability against high-class opposition before Boxing Day.
Kauto Star won the Betfair Chase before several of his King George successes.
The conditions at Haydock can differ considerably from those at Kempton. Heavy ground at Haydock may place a greater emphasis on stamina, while Kempton can reward horses with more tactical speed.
A strong Betfair Chase performance is useful evidence, but the race should be assessed in the context of the ground, pace and opposition.
John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase
The John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase is another important early-season race for leading Irish chasers.
It is run over a shorter distance than the King George, so horses stepping up to three miles must demonstrate that they can sustain their performance over the additional distance.
A horse with strong John Durkan form may have the speed required for Kempton, but its stamina still needs to be assessed.
Previous King George form
A previous strong performance in the King George is particularly useful because it provides direct evidence of a horse’s suitability for the course and distance.
Clan Des Obeaux and Kauto Star demonstrated the value of returning to a race in which they had already excelled.
However, previous winners may face different opposition, ground conditions and race circumstances when attempting to repeat their success.
The horse’s current form matters more than its reputation.
Kauto Star Novices’ Chase
The Kauto Star Novices’ Chase takes place at Kempton during the Christmas Festival and is run over the King George course and distance.
It provides an important opportunity for novice chasers to gain experience of Kempton’s three-mile test.
The Jukebox Man won the 2024 Kauto Star Novices’ Chase before returning to win the King George in 2025.
A successful novice performance can provide useful evidence of course suitability, but a horse stepping into open Grade 1 company must still prove itself against established chasers.
King George VI Chase Betting Trends
The King George is a Grade 1 contest, so class and proven chasing ability are central considerations.
Historical trends can help identify the qualities required, but they should not replace a detailed assessment of the current runners.
Previous Grade 1 form
Many King George winners have already demonstrated their ability in Grade 1 company.
Kauto Star, Best Mate and Clan Des Obeaux all possessed established top-level form.
However, a horse does not need to have won the King George or another major open chase before its first success in the race.
The Jukebox Man’s 2025 victory showed that an improving horse can step into open Grade 1 company successfully when its ability and preparation are sufficient.
Three-mile form
The King George is a three-mile race, so proven stamina is an important consideration.
A horse that has already won over the distance has demonstrated that it can sustain its performance through a staying chase.
However, three-mile form at another racecourse does not automatically establish suitability for Kempton.
A horse may stay well at a demanding track but lack the speed to hold its position around a flatter course.
Kempton experience
Previous course form can be valuable because Kempton has distinct racing characteristics.
The Jukebox Man’s victory in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase before his King George success is a recent example.
However, a horse can win the King George without having previously raced at Kempton.
The important question is whether its jumping, pace and previous performances suggest that the track will suit.
Age and experience
The King George has been won by both improving chasers and established champions.
Thistlecrack won as an eight-year-old in 2016, while The Jukebox Man was seven when successful in 2025.
Older horses should not be dismissed solely because of their age. Kauto Star’s fifth victory came when he was 11.
Assess each horse’s current form, soundness and level of performance rather than relying on age alone.
Favourites and betting prices
The King George has produced both well-backed winners and major surprises.
Kauto Star was frequently sent off at short odds during his dominant period, while Tornado Flyer won at 28/1 in 2021 and Hewick returned at 12/1 in 2023.
The 2025 race also demonstrated the competitive nature of the market, with several leading contenders finishing close together.
A horse’s price should be considered alongside its chance of winning. Historical starting prices do not establish whether a current runner represents value.
Leading King George Trainers and Jockeys
Paul Nicholls
Paul Nicholls is the most successful trainer in King George history, with 13 victories.
His winners include See More Business, Kauto Star, Silviniaco Conti, Clan Des Obeaux, Frodon and Bravemansgame.
Kauto Star accounted for five of those successes.
Nicholls’ record reflects his ability to prepare high-class chasers for Kempton’s demands and bring established performers back to the race in successive seasons.
Nicky Henderson
Nicky Henderson has trained several King George winners, including Long Run and Might Bite.
Long Run won in 2010 and 2012, while Might Bite succeeded in 2017.
Both horses demonstrated the speed and jumping ability required at Kempton.
Long Run also won the 2011 Cheltenham Gold Cup, providing another example of a horse capable of succeeding in both major staying championships.
Willie Mullins
Willie Mullins trained Tornado Flyer to win the 2021 King George under Danny Mullins.
The victory was notable for the horse’s strong finish in a race in which several prominent contenders failed to maintain their challenge.
Mullins regularly campaigns leading Irish chasers in major British races, making his entries important to assess when the King George field begins to take shape.
Ben Pauling and Ben Jones
Ben Pauling and Ben Jones won the 2025 King George with The Jukebox Man.
The horse’s previous Kempton success and his ability to respond under pressure were important features of the victory.
The result established The Jukebox Man as a proven winner at the highest level over Kempton’s three-mile course.
Ruby Walsh
Ruby Walsh rode Kauto Star to all five of his King George victories.
His record in the race is closely associated with the horse’s dominance between 2006 and 2011.
The partnership’s repeated success demonstrated the value of understanding a horse’s jumping and preferred race position.
How to Analyse the King George VI Chase 2026
The King George brings together horses with different strengths. Some possess established three-mile form, while others have the speed to excel over shorter distances and must prove their stamina.
The 2026 field should be assessed only when the likely runners, declarations and ground conditions become clearer.
Assess the likely pace
The number of front-runners can have a significant effect on the race.
A horse that prefers to lead may face pressure if several rivals adopt similar tactics. That can increase the demands on its stamina and jumping.
Conversely, a prominent runner may gain an advantage if allowed to establish a comfortable rhythm.
Frodon’s 2020 victory demonstrated the effectiveness of front-running tactics at Kempton, while Hewick’s 2023 success showed that a strong late finish can also be decisive.
Our horse racing pace maps guide explains how to assess likely running styles.
Examine jumping accuracy
Kempton rewards horses that jump fluently and maintain their momentum.
A mistake at a crucial stage can cost a runner its position, particularly when the pace increases.
Review previous performances for evidence of jumping errors under pressure rather than considering only whether a horse completed the race.
Check the going
Ground conditions can change the demands of the King George.
Soft ground places greater emphasis on stamina, while quicker conditions may suit horses with tactical speed.
A horse’s previous performances should be assessed in relation to the going, distance and strength of opposition.
Our guide to the going in horse racing explains the different ground descriptions.
Compare Kempton and Cheltenham form
A horse with strong Cheltenham form may have the class to win the King George, but the two courses present different challenges.
Kempton’s flatter track can place greater emphasis on speed and positioning. Cheltenham’s undulations and longer Gold Cup distance create a more demanding stamina test.
A horse’s running style and jumping technique should be assessed against the specific requirements of each course.
Consider seasonal preparation
Some horses arrive at Kempton after a major autumn target, while others make the King George the central aim of their early-season campaign.
A recent victory can provide evidence of fitness, but it may also have required a substantial effort.
A horse returning from a break may be fresh, although its previous record after an absence and the trainer’s preparation should be considered.
Betting on the King George VI Chase
The King George attracts a major betting market, with prices available before the final declarations and on Boxing Day.
The main considerations are the strength of the field, the available odds and the terms attached to each bet.
Win betting
A win bet requires the selected horse to finish first.
For example, a £10 win bet at 5/1 returns £60 in total if successful, including the original stake.
Our horse racing odds guide explains how fractional prices and potential returns work.
Each-way betting
Each-way betting combines a win bet with a place bet.
The number of paid places and the place fraction depend on the bookmaker’s terms and the number of runners.
The King George can attract a relatively small field, so check the final declarations and each-way terms before placing a bet.
Ante-post betting
Ante-post markets allow bets before the final declarations.
The available price may change as the race approaches, but ante-post bets are normally lost if the selected horse does not run, unless the bookmaker’s terms provide otherwise.
Injury, ground conditions and alternative targets can all affect participation in a major Grade 1 chase.
Waiting until the final declarations provides greater certainty about the runners.
Comparing bookmakers
Different bookmakers can offer different prices on the same horse.
Our comparison of horse racing betting sites explains the features to consider when comparing bookmakers.
The race sponsor does not automatically offer the most competitive odds.
King George VI Chase Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First running | 1937 |
| First winner | Southern Hero |
| Racecourse | Kempton Park |
| Distance | Three miles |
| Classification | Grade 1 chase |
| Most successful horse | Kauto Star, five wins |
| Most successful trainer | Paul Nicholls, 13 wins |
| 2025 winner | The Jukebox Man |
The King George is one of the major races of the British Christmas racing programme and a key mid-season target for staying chasers.
It is distinct from the Cheltenham Gold Cup, which is run over a longer distance at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
King George VI Chase FAQs
When is the King George VI Chase 2026?
The 2026 King George VI Chase takes place on Saturday 26 December at Kempton Park. The final off-time should be checked against the official race programme nearer Boxing Day.
How far is the King George VI Chase?
The race is run over three miles.
Is the King George VI Chase a handicap?
No. It is a Grade 1 chase run at level weights, subject to the applicable race conditions.
Who won the King George VI Chase in 2025?
The Jukebox Man won for trainer Ben Pauling and jockey Ben Jones, defeating Banbridge by a nose. Gaelic Warrior finished third.
Which horse has won the most King George VI Chases?
Kauto Star holds the record with five victories in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011.
How many times did Desert Orchid win the King George?
Desert Orchid won four times, in 1986, 1988, 1989 and 1990.
Who is the most successful King George trainer?
Paul Nicholls holds the record with 13 victories.
Is the King George a trial for the Cheltenham Gold Cup?
The King George is an important form reference for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, but the races present different tests. Kempton’s three miles can suit horses with greater tactical speed, while Cheltenham places more emphasis on stamina.
Can a horse win the King George and Cheltenham Gold Cup in the same season?
Yes. Kauto Star won both races in the 2006–07 and 2008–09 seasons. Best Mate also won the King George in December 2002 and the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March 2003.
Summary of the King George VI Chase 2026
The King George VI Chase takes place at Kempton Park on Boxing Day and is one of the most important three-mile chases of the season.
The Jukebox Man’s narrow victory in 2025 added another memorable result to a race whose previous winners include Desert Orchid, Kauto Star, Best Mate and Frodon.
For the 2026 renewal, the key considerations will be the declared runners, their current form, proven three-mile ability, jumping accuracy, likely pace and suitability for Kempton’s conditions.
The race will also provide an important reference point for the major staying chases later in the National Hunt season.
