King George VI Chase declarations: When is the King George VI Chase, where is it run, who is running in the race and how can I watch it on TV?
THIS year's King George is set to be a thriller on Boxing Day at Kempton.
The Grade 1 contest is the second leg of the Jumps Triple Crown, with Bristol De Mai the only horse in contention for the £1m bonus after winning the Betfair Chase.
What is the King George VI Chase?
The King George is a Grade 1 steeplechase run over a distance of three miles. It is for horses aged four years and older.
It is one of the biggest races of the National Hunt season.
Where is the King George VI Chase run?
The race is run at Kempton Park racecourse, which is located in Sunbury, Surrey.
When is the King George VI Chase run?
The King George will be run at 3.05pm on Boxing Day (Wednesday, December 26).
Where can I watch the King George VI Chase
The race will be broadcast live on both ITV1 and Racing TV.
Racing TV is a subscription channel and is on Sky channel 426, Virgin channel 536, and UPC in Ireland on channel 411.
ITV1 can be found on Sky channel 103 and Virgin channel 103.
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Who is running in the race?
Might Bite - 5-2
Last year's winner of this historic race who went on to finish an admirable second in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Won easily at Aintree in April, but finished last of five when jumping poorly in the Betfair Chase in November.
Behind a few of these on that occasion and has a point to prove now, for all the return to this track is a big plus.
What is the National Hunt Triple Crown?
Any horse able to win the Betfair Chase at Haydock, the King George VI Chase at Kempton and the Gold Cup at Cheltenham will earn connections a £1million bonus.
Bristol De Mai is the only horse in contention.
Politologue - 5-1
A very high-class performer who continues to improve, battling gamely to beat Min on his final start of last season.
Again showed a good attitude when winning first time out at Ascot, and the form has since been franked by the runner-up Charbel.
Steps up to 3m for the first time, but top trainer Paul Nicholls, who has a brilliant record in this race, doesn't have any worries about him getting home.
Waiting Patiently - 5-1
Rapidly progressive over fences last term, winning three times including a Grade 1 at Ascot where he lowered the colours of Cue Card.
Prefers slower ground and has not yet been seen this season, but he has a good record fresh and has won around Kempton.
Tackles 3m for the first time and looks as though he will stay and this race has been a long-term aim.
Native River - 7-1
Tough-as-teak chaser who made virtually all the running to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.
Far from disgraced when second to Bristol De Mai first time out in the Betfair Chase last month.
This sharp track not certain to suit, but he could be tough to pass if allowed to dominate on the front-end.
Bristol De Mai - 7-1
Very talented chaser who successfully defended his Betfair Chase crown with an impressive display last month.
His best form has come at that venue, and he was disappointing in the King George 12 months ago.
Has it to prove that he can win a race of this nature away from his beloved Haydock. The only horse who can win the £1m Triple Crown bonus.
Thistlecrack - 13-2
Looked to have the world at his feet a couple of years ago, and he was too strong for Cue Card in this contest in 2016.
Had several injury setbacks since then, however, though he did show some of the old spark when third in the Betfair Chase.
Could play a part if building on that performance, but the suspicion is he will find one or two too good.
Clan Des Obeaux - 14-1
Another chance for top trainer Nicholls, this six-year-old has always been held in high regard.
Has some class form to his name but is yet to reach his full potential as a chaser it seems.
His third in the Betway Bowl behind Might Bite is decent but still needs improving on. This might come one year too early.
Coneygree - 25-1
The former Gold Cup winner has certainly never had luck on his side in his career.
Injuries have prevented him from really showing his talent but after a disappointing season last year he showed his old enthusiasm at Cheltenham back in November.
That was a significant drop in class and he must show he can still compete at this level.
Double Shuffle - 33-1
Tom George's chaser loves it at Kempton and outran his 50-1 price last year to finished second to Might Bite in this race.
The race looks stronger this year and he will have to improve on his recent form.
Likely to find a few too good this year.
Tea For Two - 40-1
Another who has gone well in this race before, the nine-year-old often produces a mixed bag of results.
Third 12 months ago, he's struggled to replicate that form since.
One to cross of the list in this year's renewal.