A festive thriller unfolded at Kempton Park Racecourse on Boxing Day, with three Grade One races taking place. There was an exciting King George VI Chase, as well as a heart-warming return in the Christmas Hurdle with all taking place on the first day of Kempton’s Christmas Festival.
TIBS News reviews all of the action.
Barlovento wins as favourite Noble Park falters
The Get Your Ladbrokes Free Kempton Bet Handicap Chase kicked off the day with favourite Noble Park ridden by Nico De Boinville, turning into a disappointment, being distanced at the second from last fence.
However, this was the most crucial moment of the race, because Sean Bowen rode Barlovento three lengths clear on approach to the final fence. Barlovento, made a slight mistake, jumping right into the roots of the final fence, allowing the chasing pack to catch up.
The pack of four stormed to the line, but Barlevento held off Tapley and Jasmine Bliss by three-quarters of a length.
Kitzbuhel lives up to his billing
The first Grade One race was next with the Ladbrokes Kauto Star Novices’ Chase. Before the race started, the favourite was Kitzbuhel however, rumours suggested Wendigo was the value in this race.
The race started to ignite from four fences out; however, this was only for second place as Kitzbuhel had already run into a two-length lead. With the pack shuffling around, coming up to the final fence, the win was destined for Kitzbuhel. Wendigo managed to power past Salver but ran out of road to try and pass second-place Thomas Mor.
Arise, Sir Gino!
Everyone loves a good comeback story, and Kempton hosted Sir Gino’s return. Sir Gino last ran on December 27, 2024, this being at Kempton.
Sir Gino had a small wound that turned into a life-threatening infection, and many believed he wouldn’t return. This was a race that was expected to be entered by stablemate Constitution Hill, but due to a series of falls, Sir Gino took his spot and The Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle proved to be his Sir Gino’s fairytale.
He led much of the race before jumping the second-last hurdle, where he created a valuable gap approaching the final one. Navigating the final hurdle with ease, he powered further clear – allowing him to arrive at the line six lengths ahead of champion hurdler Golden Ace.
Harry Redknapp’s The Jukebox Man has plenty to sing about
It was now time for the main event. The King George VI Chase. Many were looking forward to Gaelic Warrior versus Jango Baie, a classic Willie Mullins versus Nicky Henderson battle.
These two horses both started as favourites at 9-4. However, reigning King George winner Banbridge was in the field as well as Harry Redknapp’s The Jukebox Man. Il est Francais led the pack over the first 15 fences before The Jukebox Man took over, leading them round the bend and over the third from home.
Firing towards the final fence, four horses were in with a chance: Jango Baie, Gaelic Warrior, Banbridge and The Jukebox Man. Gaelic Warrior and Banbridge took the final fence the best, each gaining a head on The Jukebox Man. However, The Jukebox Man was asked for one last kick from jockey Ben Jones.
As the four got to the line, The Jukebox Man crossed it first, winning the King George by a nose – with Banbridge in second, followed by Gaelic Warrior, then Jango Baie.
The Redknapp-owned horse was a shock winner in the famous King George VI Chase.
Klub de Reve’s dominant display
In the Join Ladbrokes Bet 5 Get 30 Maiden Hurdle, Harry Derham rode the favourite Klub de Reve. Klub de Reve came through the mid-pack, splitting the leaders and jumping into the lead over the second-last. He scampered clear, clearing the last and going on to win by 10 lengths.
Gnomon and Jimbo Sport rounded out the top three.
Late drama in the final race at Kempton
The final race of Boxing Day at Kempton was the Ladbrokes Best Odds Guaranteed in Racing Handicap Hurdle where Onewaywest, trained by Elliot England, was the favourite. Three horses were in the running coming to the last: King Of The Road, Surrey Lord and Onewaywest. A mistake on the last saw Onewaywest stumble and fall when landing, leaving a two-horse race to line.
A small kick at the line saw Surrey Lord win the final race of King George VI Chase Day at Kempton Park Racecourse.
