Kauto Star heads 14 for the King George Chase

The field for the 2009 King George VI Chase is down to 14 horses with Kauto Star still the favourite for the Grade 1 feature on Boxing Day at Kempton Park.

Horses that were taken out of the field in the latest forfeit stage include In Compliance and Schindlers Hunt, both trained by Dessie Hughes, as well as What A Friend and Cooldine who are both headed for the Lexus Chase. Joe Lively and Chief Dan George will also not take part in this year’s race.

Nigel Twiston-Davies still has three entries with Imperial Commander, Ollie Magern and Roll Along while David Pipe has two entries with Madison Du Berlais and Our Vic. But all eyes will be on the Paul Nicholls trained Kauto Star and jockey Ruby Walsh as they aim for a fourth consecutive King George Chase victory.

Currently Kauto Star is 4/7 with event sponsor William Hill.

RSA Chase winner Cooldine will not run in the King George VI Chase

RSA Chase winner Cooldine will be spending Christmas at home with trainer Willie Mullins deciding not to run the seven year old chaser at the King George Chase on Boxing Day.

Having not run since winning the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, Cooldine’s jump season reappearance will be in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on December 28 instead of taking on Kauto Star in the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park.

“He worked well during the week and it looks like he’ll go for the Lexus,” Mullins said. “I have him in the King George but I think it might suit connections to go to the Lexus, so we might go there.”

Cooldine has been removed from betting at event sponsor William Hill. This latest news brings the current field for the 2009 William Hill King George VI Chase down to 19 horses.

20 horses remain in the field for the 2009 King George VI Chase

After the latest forfeit round 12 horses have been scratched from the 2009 King George VI Chase. This now leaves 20 horses in the field for the the grade 1 feature race at Kempton Park on Boxing Day.

While there were no real surprises in the latest round of scratchings, notable horses to be removed from contention include Voy Por Ustedes, Kalahari King, Well Chief, War of Attrition and Monet’s Garden.

Reigning champion Kauto Star, who is looking to make history with a 4th consecutive King George Chase win, is still the favourite with event sponsor William Hill, while Betfair Chase runner-up Imperial Commander leads the rest ahead of Madison du Berlais and Cooldine.

The maximum field that can take part in the King George Chase is 20.

RSA Chase winner Cooldine could be heading for the King George VI Chase

RSA Chase winner Cooldine could be heading to Kempton Park for the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day and his first clash with Kauto Star.

Willie Mullins, Cooldine’s trainer, confirmed that the grade 1 event at Kempton is a possibility for his talented seven year old chaser.

“In terms of giving him the preparation for the Gold Cup, Kempton might be a better option than the Lexus. I’m not sure if it will be his ideal track, but although he would prefer it to be on the soft side, he won’t mind if it comes up good. He’s doing everything right” Mullins said.

Currently Cooldine is 14/1 with William Hill for the King George VI Chase.