Following Willie Mullins’ decision to remove his eight runners from the field, the King George VI Chase market has a rather different look to it. Nevertheless, a green tinge remains at the head of the betting, with the current first and second favourites, Corbetts Cross and Envoi Allen, both hailing from the Emerald Isle.
However, any British race lacking a Mullins challenger automatically increases the chances of a home success, particularly in a race where British trainers have fared well in recent years. Shark Hanlon’s Hewick grabbed the top spot in 2023, but that was only the second time since 2006 that the King George trophy has left British shores.
King George VI Chase Winners – 2006 to 2023
| Trainer | Nationality | Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Paul Nicholls | British | 11 |
| Nicky Henderson | British | 3 |
| Colin Tizzard | British | 2 |
| John Joseph Hanlon | Irish | 1 |
| Willie Mullins | Irish | 1 |
With £250,000 in prize money and no shortage of prestige up for grabs, connections of Britain’s leading staying chasers will take aim at the festive feature once more in 2024. So, with just over two weeks to go before the big day, which runners are most likely to keep the historic title on home soil?
Grey Dawning
Hailing from the yard of Dan Skelton, this good-looking grey is one of Britain’s leading hopes for Cheltenham Gold Cup glory. Exploding onto the scene in his 2023/24 novice hurdle campaign, this Flemensfirth gelding devoured the Cheltenham Hill when powering to victory in the Grade 1 Turners Novices’ Chase. The Gold Cup was mentioned in the immediate aftermath of that event, suggesting the horse may tackle this season’s headline three-mile chase events en route to a shot at the big one.
Sent off favourite for the Betfair Chase on his seasonal return, Grey Dawning found soft ground specialist Royal Pagaille too good in the Haydock mud. Second place is always disappointing but that still rated a solid effort on his first outing in open company.
A shot at the King George was all but ruled out on the back of that effort, with Skelton expecting Grey Dawning to need more time to recover. However, recent reports suggest the six-year-old has progressed far quicker than anticipated. If fit and firing come Boxing Day, and stepping forward from that comeback run, he may give the Irish something to think about.
L’Homme Presse
The highest-rated performer in the yard of Venetia Williams has two Grade 1 triumphs to his name, with the highlight seeing him jump his rivals into submission in the 2022 Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase.
That effort and a mighty weight-carrying win in the Rehearsal Chase saw L’Homme Presse sent off as the 9/4f for the 2022 King George. Travelling well for a long way that day, he looked booked for second when unseating Charlie Deutsch after the final fence. Last sighted finishing a gallant fourth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, he may find this drop back in trip in his favour.
Protektorat
This three-time Grade 1 winner adds a strong second string to the Dan Skelton team. Whilst behind Grey Dawning in the market, there is a decent argument that Protekorat brings stronger credentials to the table.
Whilst prone to the odd sub-par performance, he’s proven at the top level in open company and posted a brilliant display to see off Envoi Allen in the 2024 Ryanair Chase. A respectable comeback in the Paddy Power Gold Cup was followed up by a second place finish in Sunday’s Peterborough Chase but if fit and well he may still be a popular each-way option.
Royal Pagaille
Rated only a pound behind stablemate L’Homme Presse and eight pounds clear of Grey Dawning, this tough and talented 10-year-old will add significantly to the home challenge if taking up this assignment. The fact that he managed only a well-beaten second in the 2022 edition may deter connections. However, his most recent outings suggest he is better than ever.
More than six lengths too good for 2022 King George winner, Bravemansgame, in the 2023 Betfair Chase, he returned from injury to successfully defend his crown when seeing off Grey Dawning last time out. If conditions are soft on the day, a second crack at the Christmas showstopper may be on the cards.
Providing a thrilling Britain vs Ireland battle, with a couple of French raiders potentially thrown into the mix, the 2024 King George VI Chase is shaping up to be a late Christmas present for racing fans once again.
