‘Boxing Day ruined’, fume punters after huge decision made for Kempton’s King George VI Chase
HORSE RACING fans have been left fuming after the favourite for the King George VI chase on Boxing Day was pulled.
Gaelic Warrior was supposedly heading over the Irish Sea and planted in at the top of the market at a 3-1 shot.
But Willie Mullins has decided NOT to put the Arkle winner into the field in a move that has left punters fuming.
One posted on X: “Boxing Day ruined” while Colin Rice added that the decision was “seriously underwhelming”.
Mullins has in fact failed to declare ANY horses for the huge race, with the likes of Il Etait Temps, Ferny Hollow and Galopin Des Champs not making the latest confirmation stage.
There is however a supplementary stage on December 18, but it would be hugely unlikely that Mullins will change his mind.
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Gaelic Warrior owner Rich Ricci’s racing manager Joe Chambers told the Racing Post: “Gaelic Warrior won’t be seen until Christmas and Willie would rather his first run was over shorter and probably at home, as opposed to over a longer distance and travelling.”
But Rich is still represented by Royale Pagaille, who denied Grey Dawning in Saturday’s Grade 1 Betfair Chase at Haydock.
Ladbrokes spokesman Alex Apati said: “Today’s news has led to a huge shake-up ahead of this year’s King George.
“Gaelic Warrior’s absence means Corbetts Cross and Envoi Allen head the betting at the entry stage, with punters leaning towards the latter as things stand.”
KING GEORGE VI CHASE ACCEPTORS
Here are the 16 horses that are currently set to race in the King George VI on Boxing Day at Kempton:
Ahoy Senor
Banbridge
Bravemansgame
Corbetts Cross
Envoi Allen
Found A Fifty
Ga Law
General En Chef
Ginny’s Destiny
Grey Dawning
Hewick
Il Est Francais
Jungle Boogie
L’Homme Presse
Protektorat
Royale Pagaille
That pair are 4-1 joint favourites.
Last year’s winner Hewick is in contention for back-to-back triumphs.
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