BOXING CLEVER

Andy Newton gives stats lowdown on Kempton's festive season highlight

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It's that time of the year again folks when we try and get the Christmas expenses paid for by finding the winner of the King George on Boxing Day. Last year, I managed to point listeners of the Final Furlong Podcast in the direction of Banbridge, who ran down the front runner Il Est Francais.

And he could be back for more in 2025.

But at the time of writing - and a lot can change between now and the December 26 - Banbridge is around 12/1 to follow up as he tries to join the long list of repeat winners.

The most recent being Clan Des Obeaux in 2018/19.

Trainer Paul Nicholls is the winning-most handler with 13 wins - his first See More Business in 1999 and his last Bravemansgame in 2022.

Kauto Star, who fired in a record five King George wins between 2006 and 2011, was also responsible for 38% of the Nicholls haul.

The Kempton race has been dominated by the main UK yards in recent times - with the powerful Paul Nicholls, Nicky Henderson and Tizzard stables now responsible for a whopping 16 of the last 19 winners.

Over that period - from 2006 - Paul Nicholls has landed 11, with Henderson three and Tizzard, who has now handed over to son Joe, two of the last ten.