This year’s King George VI Chase at Kempton promises to be a crucial clash of top staying chasers, set for its traditional Boxing Day slot on Friday, December 26th, 2025.
Antepost market leader Fact To File heads a speculative list of elite contenders, flanked closely by Gaelic Warrior and Il Est Francais, in a field shaped by proven form, festival ambitions, and progressive talent.
And, I say speculative because we don’t yet have an official list of entries, so while the market reflects the most likely runners, they are by no means guaranteed to line up on the day.
As one of the most prestigious Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechases in Britain, the King George VI Chase is widely regarded as a key preparatory trial for the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.
With its blend of speed and stamina, it provides a true test that has seen its winners go on to define the jumping season. Past icons include Kauto Star, who made history with five wins between 2006 and 2011.
So what’s in store for us in 2025?
Last Year’s Thriller: Banbridge’s Triumph
In 2024, trainer Joseph O’Brien added his name to the winners’ trophy thanks to Banbridge, a rising star in his yard. With Paul Townend aboard, Banbridge pounced after the final fence to overhaul the French raider Il Est Francais, winning by a decisive one-and-three-quarter lengths.
O’Brien, already celebrated for big race victories over both codes, secured his biggest jumping win at Kempton, marking an important moment for both trainer and winning owner Ronnie Bartlett.
The triumph confirmed Banbridge as a serious force among staying chasers, as well as a runner now in the conversation for back-to-back attempts, should he take his chances again in December.
2025 Antepost Picture
The top of the betting for this year’s renewal is led by:
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Fact To File | 7/2 |
| Gaelic Warrior | 4/1 |
| Il Est Francais | 10/1 |
| Fastorslow | 12/1 |
| Banbridge | 14/1 |
| Caldwell Potter | 14/1 |
| Jango Baie | 14/1 |
| The Jukebox Man | 16/1 |
| Jonbon | 16/1 |
| Impaire Et Passe | 20/1 |
| Il Etait Temps | 20/1 |
Further down, notable names like Grey Dawning (25/1), Djelo (28/1), Ballyburn (33/1), Spillane’s Tower (33/1), and Pic D’Orhy (33/1) feature, reflecting a competitive and speculative field.
Of course, final declarations are open to changes and surprises, so keep an eye on the industry press and bookmakers like Boyle Sports, who also have a great range of jackpot slots games, for more info as the race draws nearer.
Favourite Profiles
Fact To File
Trained by Willie Mullins, Fact To File comes into this season as one of Ireland’s most exciting chasers. An eight-year-old bay gelding, owned by JP McManus, he has all the attributes needed for top-level success.
His recent wins in deep Irish company, coupled with his win in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham, underline his credentials as the market leader.
Mullins’s record at Kempton gives confidence to antepost backers hoping that he bags his second win in the race since Tornado Flyer in 2021.
Gaelic Warrior
Gaelic Warrior, also from the Mullins super-yard, is a seven-year-old noted for his consistency and progressive form.
He finished last season with back-to-back wins, including the Golden Miller Bowl Chase at Aintree as well as the Oaksey Chase at Sandown, demonstrating his suitability for Kempton’s demanding test. Connections will be hoping this will be his breakthrough at the elite Group 1 level.
Il Est Francais
French-trained star Il Est Francais nearly captured last year’s King George, only to be collared late by Banbridge.
He remains a lightly raced but high-profile contender, known for his flair over three miles at Kempton and smart form at Auteuil.
Still just seven, Il Est Francais’s blend of class and experience makes him a well-supported option in the antepost lists.
The Challengers
Banbridge looks set to return for Joseph O’Brien as the defending champion, a fact not lost on those who value course form and proven stamina at Kempton.
Joining him, Fastorslow continues to impress as Martin Brassil’s growing hope, while British-trained Caldwell Potter, Jango Baie, and The Jukebox Man will look to keep the home flag flying.
Jonbon, Impaire Et Passe, and Il Etait Temps, each with festival credit and strong connections, add depth, while outsiders like Grey Dawning, Ballyburn, and Pic D’Orhy have shown enough promise to be considered dangerous under the right conditions.
The Speculation
As official entries have not been released yet, the listed runners represent bookmaker predictions and punter interest rather than confirmed fields.
Some may opt for alternative targets, and others may emerge from minor races leading up to Boxing Day. The antepost odds market, as always, combines educated guesses and trends, with early prices sometimes offering value and sometimes reflecting fleeting momentum.
What’s at Stake?
Whoever lands the 2025 King George will step forward as a leading Cheltenham Gold Cup contender and claim a share of the £250,000 prize fund.
In recent years, top winners have gone on to compete with distinction in the Gold Cup and other major festivals, marking Boxing Day at Kempton as a pivotal moment in the jumping season.
With established stars, exciting up-and-comers, and international flavour, the 2025 King George VI Chase is set to provide another memorable chapter in British National Hunt racing.
The final field will become clear closer to the off, but already, fans and followers can anticipate an elite renewal led by Fact To File, Gaelic Warrior, and Il Est Francais—all with proven claims, all vying for Kempton glory.
As ever, the King George VI Chase forms the centrepiece of Kempton’s Christmas Festival.
Its Boxing Day slot is a fixture of both sport and post-Christmas leisure, with punters and racing families alike descending on Sunbury-on-Thames for tradition and top-class action.
