Gaelic Warrior, the star jumper from Willie Mullins' formidable stable, has been installed as the firm favourite for the prestigious King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day. This comes fresh from his impressive victory over stablemate Fact To File at Punchestown last Sunday.
The race sponsor, Ladbrokes, has priced Gaelic Warrior at 6-4 following the release of 20 entries for the £250,000 feature. His recent win in the John Durkan Memorial Chase, resulting in a one-two for the Mullins team, has cemented his position at the head of the market.
A Strong Irish Challenge for the Christmas Feature
The Irish challenge for the coveted chase is particularly strong this year, with ten Irish-trained entries in the mix. Among them is the defending champion, Banbridge, trained by Joseph O'Brien, who will be aiming to retain his crown.
The Punchestown race also saw last season's Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Inothewayurthinkin, and the 2024 Grand National hero, I Am Maximus, finish down the field, highlighting the quality of Gaelic Warrior's performance.
British Hopes Rest on Arkle Winner
The home defence is led by Jango Baie, last season's Arkle winner, who made a successful return to action with a win at Ascot on Saturday. He is currently a 3-1 chance.
He is closely followed in the betting by the Harry Redknapp-owned The Jukebox Man at 5-1, with the vanquished Punchestown runner-up, Fact To File, available at 6-1.
Jango Baie's trainer, Nicky Henderson, acknowledged the rising quality of the field, stating, "You’ve got to go to Kempton on Boxing Day with him... but then The Jukebox Man ran and Gaelic Warrior won on Sunday and you are thinking blimey, we’re in something here! It’s going to be a good race."
Henderson praised his charge's jumping and travelling ability, noting he possesses a potent turn of foot. While he accepted that some may question the strength of the Ascot form, he remained hopeful it was a "great performance."
A 'Christmas Cracker' in the Making
The stage is set for a thrilling renewal of the Boxing Day spectacle. Nicola McGeady, Ladbrokes Head of PR, commented: "This renewal is shaping up to be a proper battle with last Sunday’s Punchestown clash between Gaelic Warrior and Fact To File adding even more spice to proceedings."
She added, "With a total of twenty entries, it’s going to be a Christmas cracker!" Racing fans are in for a festive treat as the best from both sides of the Irish Sea prepare to clash at Kempton.
