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.

The Queen's horse Barbers Shop

There will be a number of possible runners for this year’s King George VI Chase in action at the Newbury Winter Festival between November 26 – 28.

The highlight of the Newbury Winter Festival is the Hennessy Gold Cup on Saturday November 28. In it’s 50th yeah, the Hennessy Gold Cup is a Grade 3 National Hunt chase open to 4 year olds and over. Last year’s winner Madison du Berlais is a possible runner in this year’s King George Chase.

Notable horses entered in the 2009 Hennessy Gold Cup Chase that could go onto contest the King George Chase include Joe Lively, Roll Along, War Of Attrition and current equal second favourites (with antepost odds of 13/2 at William Hill) Babers Shop and What A Friend.

Also on Hennessy Gold Cup Day at Newbury, Nacarat will run in the Long Distance Hurdle. Trainer Tom George is hoping that the 3m 110y hurdle will give Nacarat a good run and then a long enough break before the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on December 26.