King George VI Chase Facts for Kids

The King George VI Chase is a super exciting horse race held every year in Great Britain! It's a type of race called a steeplechase, which means the horses and their riders (called jockeys) have to jump over lots of fences. This big event takes place at Kempton Park near Sunbury, England.

The race is about 3 miles (that's almost 5 kilometers) long, and horses have to jump over 18 fences along the way. It's always held on Boxing Day, December 26th, as part of Kempton Park's special Christmas Festival. Only horses that are four years old or older can enter.

Quick facts for kids
King George VI Chase
Race information
Grade 1 race
Location	Kempton Park, Sunbury, England
Inaugurated	1937
Race type	Steeplechase
Sponsor	Ladbrokes
Website	Kempton Park
Distance	3 miles (4,828 metres)
Surface	Turf
Track	Right-handed
Qualification	Four-years-old and up
Weight	11 st 1 lb (4yo); 11 st 10 lb (5yo+) Allowances 7 lb for fillies and mares
Purse	£250,000 (2023) 1st: £142,375

History of the Race
Race Records
Recent Winners
Images for kids
See also

History of the Race

The King George VI Chase first started in February 1937. It was named after the new British King at the time, King George VI. The race only happened twice before World War II began. During the war, Kempton Park Racecourse was closed and used as a camp for prisoners of war.

When the war ended, the racecourse reopened, and the King George VI Chase returned in 1947. This time, it was moved to its new date on Boxing Day, which is December 26th. The very first winner of the race, Southern Hero, is still the oldest horse ever to win it!

Today, the King George VI Chase is the second most important steeplechase race in England. Only the Cheltenham Gold Cup is considered more prestigious. Many amazing horses have won this race more than once. Two of the most famous are Desert Orchid, who won it four times, and Kauto Star, who won it an incredible five times! The race is currently supported by the betting company Ladbrokes.

Race Records

Some horses, jockeys, and trainers have been super successful in the King George VI Chase. Here are some of the top records:

Most Wins by a Horse

Kauto Star holds the record with 5 wins! He won in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2011.

Most Wins by a Jockey

Ruby Walsh is the leading jockey, also with 5 wins. He rode Kauto Star to all five of his victories (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011).

Most Wins by a Trainer

Paul Nicholls is the most successful trainer, with an amazing 13 wins! His winning horses include:
- See More Business (1997, 1999)
- Kauto Star (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011)
- Silviniaco Conti (2013, 2014)
- Clan Des Obeaux (2018, 2019)
- Frodon (2020)
- Bravemansgame (2022)

Recent Winners

Here are some of the horses who have won the King George VI Chase in recent years:

Year	Winner	Age	Jockey	Trainer
2013	Silviniaco Conti	7	Noel Fehily	Paul Nicholls
2014	Silviniaco Conti	8	Noel Fehily	Paul Nicholls
2015	Cue Card	9	Paddy Brennan	Colin Tizzard
2016	Thistlecrack	8	Tom Scudamore	Colin Tizzard
2017	Might Bite	8	Nico de Boinville	Nicky Henderson
2018	Clan des Obeaux	6	Harry Cobden	Paul Nicholls
2019	Clan des Obeaux	7	Sam Twiston-Davies	Paul Nicholls
2020	Frodon	8	Bryony Frost	Paul Nicholls
2021	Tornado Flyer	8	Danny Mullins	Willie Mullins
2022	Bravemansgame	7	Harry Cobden	Paul Nicholls
2023	Hewick	8	Gavin Sheehan	John Joseph Hanlon