King George VI Chase Betting Odds, Favourites and Winners - Event Details

Race Details:

Date: 2026.12.26
Grade: 1
Open To: Horses Four Years and Older
Track: Turf
Length: 4,828 Metres
Location: United Kingdom


The King George VI Chase is one of the premier steeplechase races in the United Kingdom and a highlight of the Boxing Day racing calendar.

Staged annually at Kempton Park as part of the Winter Festival, the race regularly attracts elite three mile chasers from Britain and Ireland and is traditionally one of the key mid season tests ahead of the Cheltenham Gold Cup.


2025 Winner:

The Jukebox Man
Trainer: Ben Pauling
Jockey: Ben Jones
Owner: Harry Redknapp

The 2025 King George VI Chase was won by The Jukebox Man, who secured a dramatic nose victory over Banbridge in a Boxing Day photo finish at Kempton Park on December 26, 2025.

Sent off at 7 to 1, The Jukebox Man tracked the pace before moving into contention approaching the final bend and holding off a late surge from Banbridge in the closing strides. The performance marked a major career highlight for trainer Ben Pauling and owner Harry Redknapp.


Previous Winner:

2024 Winner: Banbridge
Jockey: Paul Townend
Trainer: Joseph O Brien


Race Conditions and Distance:

The King George VI Chase is open to horses aged four years and older and is run over approximately 3 miles, covering 4,828 metres on turf. The race includes 18 fences and demands both stamina and accurate jumping.

The total prize fund stands at GBP 250,000, reinforcing its status as one of the most valuable Grade 1 chases of the winter.

Originally established in 1937 in honour of King George VI, the race was formerly run as a handicap but is now contested at level weights.

Kempton Park, located in Sunbury on Thames, has a unique history, having been used as a Prisoner of War camp during World War II.


Records and Notable Winners:

Fourteen horses have won the King George VI Chase more than once.

Kauto Star holds the record with five victories, achieved between 2006 and 2011, cementing his status as one of the greatest National Hunt horses of the modern era.

Southern Hero was the oldest winner in race history, triumphing at the age of 12 in 1937.

Other legendary winners include Desert Orchid and Best Mate, both of whom added to the race's rich history and rivalry with the Cheltenham Gold Cup.


Significance in the Jump Racing Calendar:

The King George VI Chase is widely viewed as a major form guide for the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Strong performances at Kempton often translate into serious Gold Cup credentials later in the season.

Its flat, right handed track and emphasis on rhythm differ from Cheltenham, meaning tactical positioning and jumping fluency are critical components of success.


Betting Perspective:

As a Grade 1 winter feature, the King George attracts deep betting markets.

Common wagers include:

Outright Winner

Each Way

Forecast and Tricast

Match Bets

In Running Markets

Because it is run at level weights, class and jumping precision often outweigh handicapping considerations. Form lines from major autumn chases are frequently used to assess contenders.


Key Takeaways:

The King George VI Chase is a Grade 1 three mile steeplechase held annually on Boxing Day at Kempton Park.

The 2025 winner was The Jukebox Man, trained by Ben Pauling and ridden by Ben Jones.

The race carries a GBP 250,000 purse and features 18 fences over 4,828 metres.

Kauto Star remains the most successful horse in race history with five wins.

The event is a major stepping stone toward the Cheltenham Gold Cup and one of the most prestigious chases of the winter season.

--

View more Horse Races