King George VI Chase 2026: Kempton Christmas Festival Guide
Boxing Day at Kempton means the King George VI Chase, one of the great races of the jumps season. Here are the 2026 dates, the races, recent winners, the history and how to bet.
The Christmas Festival
Two days of top-class jump racing over Christmas.
King George Day
- King George VI Chase (Grade 1, 3m)
- Christmas Hurdle (Grade 1, 2m)
- Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase (Grade 2)
Kauto Star Chase Day
- Day two of the festival
- Desert Orchid Chase (Grade 2)
2025 King George
- £250,000 in total
- £142,375 to the winner
Recent King George winners
The last three runnings were won at 7/1, 7/1 and a horse that traded at 550/1 in running.
| Year | King George | Jockey | Trainer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | The Jukebox Man (7/1) | Ben Jones | Ben Pauling |
| 2024 | Banbridge (7/1) | Paul Townend | Joseph O’Brien |
| 2023 | Hewick | Gavin Sheehan | John “Shark” Hanlon |
The Kempton Christmas Festival facts and history
Betting on the King George
Offers to look for
For big festivals, many bookmakers run race-day extras such as Best Odds Guaranteed (if the starting price is bigger than the price you took, you are paid at the bigger price) and extra each-way places on the big handicaps. Terms change for every race, so always read the terms in the app before you bet.
See our promotions guide for how each type of offer works.
Going to the races?
You can bet on course with the bookmakers in the ring and on the pool, or on your phone. Read our course guide for Wi-Fi, cash machines and how to get there, and our guide to betting at the racecourse.
Which app should you use for the King George?
Compare UK racing apps by their real App Store, Google Play and Trustpilot ratings.
the King George FAQs
When is the King George VI Chase?
The King George VI Chase is run at Kempton Park on Boxing Day, 26 December. In 2026 that is a Saturday.
Who won the 2025 King George?
The Jukebox Man won at 7/1, ridden by Ben Jones and trained by Ben Pauling for owner Harry Redknapp. He won by a nose from Banbridge.
Which horse has won the most King Georges?
Kauto Star, with five wins.
How long is the King George VI Chase?
The King George is run over 3 miles.
What else is on at the Kempton Christmas Festival?
The Christmas Hurdle (Grade 1) is on Boxing Day, and the Desert Orchid Chase is on 27 December.
Sources: Jockey Club: Christmas Festival · Wikipedia: King George VI Chase · AOL: The Jukebox Man · HRI: Hewick. Facts checked October 2026; dates and race details can change, so check with the racecourse before you go.
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