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King George VI Chase 2026 — Odds, Facts & Betting Guide

26 December 2026 · Kempton Park, Surrey, United Kingdom

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The King George VI Chase is the highlight of British jump racing's festive season — a Grade 1 steeplechase run at Kempton Park every Boxing Day, 26 December. It is the most prestligious staying chase of the winter outside the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Run over three miles, the King George is a championship test that often shapes the Gold Cup picture, and it is one of the biggest betting races of the Christmas period. Legendary names from Desert Orchid to Kauto Star have made it their own.

Where to find the latest odds

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King George VI Chase: fast facts

The King George VI Chase is a Grade 1 steeplechase run at Kempton Park on Boxing Day, 26 December.
It is run over three miles, a championship test of speed and stamina.
Kauto Star won the race a record five times between 2006 and 2011.
Desert Orchid, perhaps the most popular chaser ever, won it four times.
It is the most important staying chase of the winter outside the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
The race is a key Gold Cup trial, often shaping the spring championship picture.

Past winners

Year	Winner	Key detail
2025	Recent renewal	Boxing Day Grade 1 at Kempton
2022	Bravemansgame	Paul Nicholls-trained, ridden by Harry Cobden
2021	Tornado Flyer	Shock 28/1 winner for Willie Mullins
2020	Frodon	Bryony Frost's memorable Grade 1 win
2019	Clan Des Obeaux	Back-to-back King George wins
2018	Clan Des Obeaux	First King George for Paul Nicholls in years
2017	Might Bite	Held on under pressure
2016	Thistlecrack	Novice won the King George
2015	Cue Card	Popular front-running win
2014	Silviniaco Conti	Retained his crown

How to bet on King George VI Chase

The King George is a small-field championship chase, so win and each-way betting on a high-class line-up is the norm. The market is usually shaped by the leading staying chasers and any Gold Cup contenders using the race as a target.

Ante-post markets run through the autumn jumps season, rewarding those who can read which top chasers are aimed at Kempton. Non-runner-no-bet offers nearer the race remove the ante-post risk, and Gold Cup double specials are popular.

Kempton's flat, right-handed track suits bold-jumping, front-running types, which is a useful form angle. Bet each-way on a sensible budget and remember that even short-priced festive favourites can be turned over on the day.

Popular markets

Win and each-way
Ante-post
Non-runner-no-bet offers
Forecast and tricast
Match bets
Gold Cup double specials

King George VI Chase 2026: your questions answered

When is the King George VI Chase 2026?

The 2026 King George VI Chase is on Boxing Day, 26 December, at Kempton Park.

How far is the King George VI Chase?

It is run over three miles, a Grade 1 championship steeplechase test.

Which horse has won the most King George VI Chases?

Kauto Star, with a record five wins between 2006 and 2011.

Is the King George a Gold Cup trial?

Yes — as the top staying chase of the winter, it often shapes the Cheltenham Gold Cup market in the spring.

Where is the King George VI Chase run?

At Kempton Park racecourse in Surrey, every Boxing Day.