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.

Well Chief wins Connaught Chase

Veteran chaser Well Chief won the Connaught Chase at Cheltenham today, defeating Master Minded who tired and suffered his first defeat in 19 months to eventually finish third behind Mahogany Blaze. The win for Well Chief has seen his odds for the King George Chase shorten to 16/1 at William Hill.

Well Chief’s trainer David Pipe and owner David Johnson were both impressed with the 10 year old who recorded his 11th win in 21 starts and overcome recurring leg injuries .

“Horses that good don’t come around very often. He’s had leg problems, but he does lots of swimming and it’s been a team effort, particularly from Jonothan Lower, who rides him every day,” trainer David Pipe said.

Owner David Johnson said: “It’s a special moment because he’s come back more times than Frank Sinatra. Whether Master Minded ran to his best I don’t know, but we’ve beaten him fair and square. He’s a star, and to think he missed his best years through injury. It’s like having a 10-year-old car with 3,000 miles on the clock. Now I’m looking forward to tomorrow and hoping his legs are good”.

A rematch between Well Chief and Master Minded could come next month in the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown.