King George 2025: Runners, odds and a big race verdict on Boxing Day 👑

The King George VI Chase takes place at Kempton on Boxing Day and it’s one of the finest races on the calendar outside of the Cheltenham Festival. It’s set to be an absolute cracker this year so we’ve provided all the information you need about the runners. We’ve also given our verdict on the big Grade 1 event. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

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CLAIM

1. Banbridge

Right at his best when seeing off Il Est Francais in this race last year but hasn’t come close to that level of form since which is concerning. The visor needs to have the desired effect here.

Banbridge

Analysis

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2. Djelo

Classy chaser who is in fine fettle, winning the Charlie Hall at Wetherby and Peterborough at Huntingdon this term. He is yet to win at the highest level but he is a lively outsider here given his rich vein of form.

Djelo

Analysis

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3. Fact To File

Dual Grade 1 winner around 2m4f or so last term, winning the John Durkan and Ryanair. It was an epic clash that he narrowly came out worse off in when defeated by Gaelic Warrior in this year’s John Durkan, but his stamina looks more assured than that of his rival here and he can reverse the form to give JP McManus a first win in the race.

Fact To File

Analysis

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4. Gaelic Warrior

Landed a Grade 1 at Aintree and Grade 2 at Sandown at the end of last term and was given an amazing ride from the front by Paul Townend when narrowly beating Fact To File in the John Durkan at Punchestown on return. He’s not certain to uphold that form over this trip.

Gaelic Warrior

Analysis

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5. Il Est Francais

Won the Kauto Star on this card in 2023 and was running away with the King George last year only to be mowed down late on by Banbridge. He hasn’t looked like the same horse since, though, and has a point to prove.

Il Est Francais

Analysis

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6. Jango Baie

Has transformed into a fine chaser, coming from no man’s land to win the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival last term and took the step up in trip in his stride when winning a Grade 2 at Ascot over 2m5f on latest. He should stay this far.

Jango Baie

Analysis

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7. Master Chewy

Finished second in the Old Roan at Aintree on his return but was well behind Jango Baie when a distant fourth at Ascot when last seen. Has had a wind operation but safe to rule out.

Master Chewy

Analysis

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8. The Jukebox Man

Had a fine time of things last winter, winning a Newbury Grade 2 and the Grade 1 Kauto Star on this card. Came back from an injury when beating Iroko at Haydock (form franked) and rates as a leading contender.

The Jukebox Man

Analysis

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Verdict

JP McManus has never won a King George but that’s set to change as Fact To File can reverse his John Durkan form with Gaelic Warrior. At an each-way price, Djelo is worth consideration.

Fact To File

Analysis

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If you back any of our selections you can watch them live on the free Racing Post app or racingpost.com. Simply log in to one of your bookmaker accounts and click ‘Watch live’ on the racecards.