Unless you own a face mask or hand sanitizer company, I think you will all agree it will be good to see the back of 2020!
Yes, it’s certainly been a year to remember (and forget), but let’s not all be doom and gloom as we’ve still got Christmas to look forward to – in some shape or form – and with that one of the Festive highlights for racing fans is, of course, the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day.
The King George is certainly one of the jumping highlights on the racing calendar and a contest where seasoned racegoers and the more recreational punters come together to try and get their Christmas expenses paid for by the bookies.
The Grade One Chase is probably second only to the Grand National when it comes to the ‘once-a-year’ punters crawling out of the woodwork to have a bet, and in recent years it’s certainly been a contest the bookies have hated with eleven of the last 18 favourites winning!
It could be more of the same again this year too, with the winner for the last two years – Clan des Obeaux – sure to be popular in the betting as he looks to become the first horse since Kauto Star to win the King George VI Chase three times on the spin. If he can win again he’ll join greats like Wayward Lad and Desert Orchid, who landed this Christmas chase more than twice.
The current champ hails from the powerful Paul Nicholls yard, that will be hunting their twelfth win in the race, and with the classy Cyrname a possible runner for the stable too, then it could be another big day for the Ditcheat-based handler.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
LION ROARS TO TOP SPOT
John Anthony is right up with the pace as the speed horses kick on again
JUST STAY IT AGAIN SAM!
Paul Jacobs relishes a grand October climax with final Flat season flourish
TROY JOY OPENS THE FLOODGATES
lan Heitman recounts a month of stunning track highlights
FINEST LAP OF HONOUR
Graham Buddry tells the dramatic tale of Australia's brilliant Southern star
DOWN LAMBOURN WAY
Richard Eagle brings news from the Valley, Epsom and beyond
BOY WILL STEP UP IN THE WET
Ben Morgan sticks to his guns with 10 top tips to follow in the coming weeks
CUTTING BACK TO THE OLD DEBATE
Rolf Johnson weighs up one of racing's perennial chestnuts
FROM BOOK TO BOOKIES
The former Sky frontman turns detective in hunt for Arc clues
FUM-ING BUT NO DISGARCE
Jeremy Grayson picks it up in the sticks after a late summer jumps break
MEMORIES OF SIR MICHAEL'S EARLY DAYS RUN SO DEEP
Dave Youngman looks back at Michael Stoute's road to success