Horse Racing

Preparing for the William Hill Winter Festival

As we gear up towards the Christmas season, there are plenty of exciting racing on show. Some of the best races are on offer in the coming weeks, and the William Hill Winter Festival at Kempton Park Racecourse is no exception.

The question on everyone’s lips is can Kauto Star win the King George VI Steeple Chase for a record fourth consecutive year? The Grade 1 National Hunt Race will be held on Boxing Day, December 26, and will be the feature event prior to the Desert Orchid Chase on the 27th. While the Grade 2 race has only been around since 2006, it is already gaining a sterling reputation as one of the most exciting races at the Winter Festival.

While Kempton Park hosts several races over a range of course types, Flat racing will take a backseat to National Hunt come Boxing Day when all eyes will be on Kauto Star. Sitting on a record of 18-7-2, the gelding is only one King George VI Chase win away from equalling Desert Orchid’s four victories from 1986-1990, and becoming the first race horse to win the event four years in a row.
The Desert Orchid Race, the second day highlight, will be taking on its fourth year at Kempton Park. With only two horses having claimed victory in its short history, including Voy Por Ustedes in 2006 and 2007, we can only expect a that there will be several contenders favourite to take out this year’s title.

There are already odds up for the King George VI Chase, with Kauto Star a strong favourite to win. William Hill currently has the gelding at 8/13 odds, so keep updated as the Winter Festival approaches for all the best tips.