Kempton going 'perfect'
for King George VI Chase

KEMPTON'S ground was described as "beautiful" on Christmas day with the track set to host the William Hill King George VI Chase on December 26.

After walking a circuit of the Kempton track on Christmas morning, clerk of the course Barney Clifford said."The ground is good to soft, good in places on the chase course. Conditions are perfect.

"It's the mildest Christmas day in my 11 years at Kempton and the first time we've not had to instigate a frost protection plan for this meeting. We're looking forward to a great day."

The King George is set to see Long Run and Kauto Star clash again with the likes of Master Minded and Captain Chris also set to line up in an exciting contest.

Clifford added that gates will open at 10am on December26 and tickets remain available for all enclosure, though there was limited availability in the Premier Enclosure.

On Christmas morning, Long Run, seeking back-to-back wins in the race, was a top-priced 11-8, with 100-30 the best odds available about Kauto Star on his attempt to register a fifth King George success.

With the Met Office forecasting double digit temperatures of up to 14c, a full racing programme is expected for December 26. No inspections have been called.