Staged over three miles, the Grade 1 King George VI Chase is the highlight of the Christmas racing period and is always an eagerly anticipated betting contest.
Total prize money for the 2026 King George VI Chase stands at £245,925 with the winner receiving £142,375. This Grade One always attracts the best staying chasers in training despite its positioning in a busy Christmas schedule.
King George VI Chase Prize Money Breakdown
- 1st - £142,375
- 2nd - £53,425
- 3rd - £26,750
- 4th - £13,325
- 5th - £6,700
- 6th - £3,350
Entry Fees And Declarations
- Enter by noon, November 24th and pay £300 stake.
- Scratch by noon on December 8th or pay £500.
- Confirm by noon on December 21st and pay £450.
- Supplementary Entry by noon, December 19th and pay £4600 stake.
- Declare by 10.00 a.m. December 23rd.
Weights
- Weights: 4-y-o = 11st 1lb; 5-y-o and up = 11st 10lb.
- Fillies and mares allowance = 7lb.
King George VI Chase History
- First Running: The event was first run in February 1937. It was named in honour of the newly crowned British monarch, King George VI.
- Debut Winner: The inaugural race was won by Southern Hero. At 12 years old, he still holds the record as the oldest horse ever to win the race.
- Boxing Day Move: When racing returned post-war in 1947, the race was moved to its famous, Boxing Day slot on 26 December. It has served as the anchor race of Kempton's Christmas Festival ever since.
Legends Of The Race
- Kauto Star (5 Wins): The ultimate King George champion, Kauto Star won the race a record five times between 2006 and 2011 (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2011) under jockey Ruby Walsh.
- Desert Orchid (4 Wins): Popularly known as "Dessie," the iconic grey chaser captured the hearts of the public by winning the race four times (1986, 1988, 1989, and 1990).
- Other Icons: Iconic horses like Wayward Lad (3 wins), Arkle (1965), Pendil, One Man, Best Mate, and Long Run have all etched their names onto the historic roll of honour.
Latest King George VI Chase News
The Harry Redknapp-owned eight-year-old, The Jukebox Man, who secured a thrilling photo-finish victory on Boxing Day 2025, has picked up a leg knock.
His trainer Ben Pauling announced that while the setback is not career-ending, it rules the horse out of November's Betfair Chase and severely compromises his ability to defend his King George crown.
King George VI Chase Odds 2026:
Punters can bet on horse racing at 888sport and the King George VI Chase is one of many antepost races priced up for the upcoming jumps season. Check out the current state of the market below:
- Gaelic Warrior - 3/1
- Kitzbuhel - 5/1
- The Jukebox Man - 8/1
- Jango Baie - 10/1
- Lulamba - 10/1
- Kopek Des Bordes - 10/1
- Grey Dawning - 16/1
- Romeo Coolio - 20/1
*Odds subject to change - prices accurate at the time of writing*
