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.

Voy Por Ustedes will not run in the King George Chase

Alan King, trainer of Voy Por Ustedes, has revealed that he will consider running his 8 year old chaser at the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on December 28 and not the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on December 26.

“He’s got an entry and he won’t run in the King George” King said.

Asked if the decision to run Voy Por Ustedes in the Lexus Chase was influenced by the absence of Kauto Star and Denman, King stated: “It certainly helps, but we’ll look at all the entries.”

Voy Por Ustedes’ season debut at Ascot produced untidy jumping and he was beaten into third. The performance of the usually consistent chaser left King mystified.

“He didn’t jump well and I don’t know why. He was very sloppy, which isn’t like him.”