Long Run and Kauto Star head a field of eight confirmed for the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day after Tuesday’s declarations. (credit: hyperionone)
Related Articles
Share it
Long Run and Kauto Star head a field of eight confirmed for the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day after Tuesday’s declarations.
It looks set to be a vintage renewal of the Grade One showpiece and Kauto Star will be in search of a remarkable fifth success in the Boxing Day Grade One.
Though only eight horses will line up in the race, it could hardly look any more exciting, with Master Minded also tackling three miles for the first time at Kempton.
Last year’s winner Long Run currently heads the betting for the race and trainer Nicky Henderson is confident that his stable star can reverse Betfair Chase form with arch rival Kauto Star.
"Over the past year we could beat Kauto Star easily, as simple as that," Henderson explained.
"But Kauto wasn't anywhere near his prime in those two races. Now that Paul Nicholls has got him back to his best, and Kauto beat Long Run at Haydock last month, we're in for one hell of a race.
"Even last year everyone else wanted Kauto to win. We really wrecked the party. That's why the Haydock reception was phenomenal. People always want the old champion to come back and defeat the young pretender.
"Of course the public might not want me to do it but it's my job to dethrone Kauto Star."
