The King George VI Chase is the centrepiece of the Christmas racing programme in Britain, lighting up Kempton Park on its Boxing Day slot.
The Grade 1 three-miler has a wonderful and storied history, won by some of the true greats of National Hunt racing, and is widely regarded as the mid-season championship event for staying chasers.
King George VI Chase date and time
The 2026 King George VI Chase will take place on Saturday 26th December.
King George VI Chase location
The King George VI Chase takes place at Kempton Park and is the biggest race in the calendar for the Sunbury-on-Thames venue.
King George VI Chase history
Inaugurated in 1937, the race was first contested on Boxing Day in 1947 and has remained a staple of the festive calendar ever since.
A total of 15 horses have won the King George VI Chase more than once and no horse has won it more times than Kauto Star, who triumphed under Ruby Walsh 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011.
Paul Nicholls is the most successful trainer in the race with 13 victories. Five were courtesy of Kauto Star, while See More Business, Silviniaco Conti and Clan Des Obeaux have all won two renewals for the Ditcheat supremo.
The Jukebox Man won one of the greatest renewals of the race ever ran as he battled back to nab Banbridge, Gaelic Warrior and Jango Baie on the line.
