Big guns stand ground among bumper field for King George crown

Grey Dawning, Il Est Francais and Spillane’s Tower are among 11 runners declared for the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day.

Dan Skelton’s Grey Dawning, winner of the Turners Novices’ Chase at last season’s Cheltenham Festival, looks the pick of the home team after being touched off by Haydock specialist Royale Pagaille in last month’s Betfair Chase.

Il Est Francais, trained in France by Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm, was sublime in landing the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase over the King George course and distance 12 months ago, and merits huge respect despite being pulled up at Auteuil last time out.

Il Est Francais is joined by stablemate General En Chef, who ran with credit when fourth on his British debut in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury, with David Cottin’s supplemented contender Juntos Ganamos also hoping to become the first French-trained winner of the King George since First Gold in 2000.

A formidable Irish contingent is headed by Spillane’s Tower, a dual Grade One-winning novice for Jimmy Mangan last season and narrowly denied by fellow JP McManus-owned rising star Fact To File in the John Durkan at Punchestown a month ago.

Despite concerns about drying ground, Spillane’s Tower (Mark Walsh) was added to the King George field last week. The McManus colours will also be carried by the Emmet Mullins-trained Corbetts Cross, with top amateur Derek O’Connor back on board for the first time since steering him to a 17-length victory in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham in March.

Joseph O’Brien’s Banbridge and Henry de Bromhead’s Envoi Allen also make the journey across the Irish Sea, but last year’s winner Hewick has not been declared, with connections opting to instead run him over hurdles at Leopardstown later in the week.

The 2022 King George hero Bravemansgame bids to regain his crown and provide trainer Paul Nicholls with a record-extending 14th victory in the race.

The field is completed by L’Homme Presse, who makes his first appearance since finishing fourth in last season’s Cheltenham Gold Cup for Venetia Williams, and Patrick Neville’s Charlie Hall Chase winner The Real Whacker, who will be partnered by Gavin Sheehan, who steered Hewick to glory 12 months ago.