King George VI Chase Betting Tips 2024

King George VI Chase is a Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase horse race that takes place annually at Kempton Park. In 2024, it is scheduled for Monday, 26th December, at 16:25. Being one of the top events in the British racing events calendar, gambling on it is unsurprisingly popular.

Besides the winner, each-way and antepost options, you can find several special King George VI Chase betting markets. We will explain each of them in-depth and give you our expert predictions on the favourites and notable longshots. What should you know about the racecourse and how can the obstacles make or break your chances? Let’s dive right in.

Latest King George VI Chase Tips

The steeplechase sits in second place in the UK in National Hunt races, behind only the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Despite there not being as many runners, picking a winner remains difficult. This is due to the quality of the riders and the increased number of obstacles they must overcome. Using our experience and knowledge of the industry, as well as up-to-date statistics, we have delivered the following King George VI Chase tips:

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Also Read: What is the National Hunt

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⏩ Antepost Winner: Bravemansgame @9/4 (3.25)

No way should you underestimate last year's winner. Having won the Ladbrokes Kauto Star Novices' Chase on Boxing Day last year, Bravemansgame is the 2nd favourite in the ante-post markets. The 8-year-old also placed in its two previous outings at Wetherby and Haydock back in November.

Trained by Paul Nicholls, who has 13 King George successes to his name, Bravemansgame is available at odds of 9/4 (3.25). With the favourite of the race, Allaho, being a rookie in King George VI Chases, it is time for him to do the double.

⏩ Each Way: Royale Pagaille @10/1 (11.00)

Runner-up to Bravemansgame at last year's King George VI Chase was Royale Pagaille. Venetia Williams trains the 9-year-old. About a month ago, Royale Pagaille comfortably beat Bravemansgame in Grade 1 Betfair Chase, so another place finish is a distinct possibility.

⏩ Worthy Outsiders

The King George antepost tips should also feature some notable outsiders. Having been impressive in winning the last 3 races it raced, The Real Whacker (8/1, 9.00) is a name well worth considering.

Meanwhile, having placed in the Badger Beer Handicap Chase at the beginning of November, Paul Nicholls’ Frodon (51/1, 52.00) is among the standout longshots. Shishkin (11/2, 6.50) is also likely to be backed. However, it is The Real Whacker that we believe has the best chance of causing an upset.

Best King George Chase Betting Sites

Before backing your selections, you must pick the bookmaker that best suits your needs. The best King George Chase betting sites feature live streaming, attractive odds, as well as a host of promotions. These include best odds guaranteed, free bets, non-runner no bet and faller insurance. Below, we have listed the best bookmakers for horse racing, ideal for those looking to bet on the upcoming event.

What Should I Know About the Kempton Racecourse

The fact that King George VI Chase is held at Kempton on Boxing Day means that the weather is unpredictable at best. Often run in wet conditions, runners and riders battle over 3 miles around a right-handed track. With 18 fences to be jumped, even the best King George VI Chase betting strategy can go downhill quickly.

The runners we will back, such as Bravemansgame, The Real Whacker, and Royale Pagaille, have significant experience performing on the biggest stage, in chase races in particular. They are also managed by leading trainers, which certainly improves their chances of success.

What to Consider Before Betting for the King George Chase

The race is considerably challenging to predict. For example, the 50/1 (51.00) Frodon came out on top in 2021. Meanwhile, with 18 jumps and potentially tricky conditions to overcome, not even the favorites are guaranteed to finish, let alone win. So, when placing King George VI Chase bets, several factors must be considered:

Race Course Obstacles

Some punters may be unfamiliar with the differences between a chase and a hurdle race. While the latter involves runners and riders jumping over hurdles, the former sees them overcome fences.

Chase is a shortened name for steeplechase, differing from a flat race with no jumps. While trainers will select horses and jockeys to compete based on their ability to make light work of such obstacles, some are better than others at overcoming these kinds of obstacles.

Jockeys and Trainers

Some jockeys and trainers have won the King George Chase multiple times. Paul Nicholls has 13 successes to his name, a race record. Meanwhile, Ruby Walsh is the jockey with the most wins, having come out on top 5 times between 2006-2011. In terms of trainers, Nicholls won on three consecutive occasions from 2018 to 2021 before rival Willie Mullins ended his streak.

However, there is no such pattern surrounding jockeys. In fact, there have been eight different winning jockeys in the same number of years. Click here if you want to find out more about how jockeys and trainers affect horse bets.

Horse Breed and Age

King George VI Chase is eligible for horses aged 4+. However, there has only ever been one success by a horse aged below 6, which came back in 1950. In both 2020 and 2021, the winning horse was aged 8. So, look into the age, breed and family tree of potential picks before confirming a bet. Backing a young horse is not a good idea.

Latest King George VI Chase Betting Offers

When the terms and conditions are realistic, King George VI Chase betting offers make wagering on the race all the more appealing. Some promotions are specific to the race, while others are more generic. All of our recommended bookies offer a welcome bonus, while promos for existing users are also available. Below are some of the most common ones you will find:

Welcome Bonus: Whether it be a deposit bonus or a free bet, welcome offers are generally worth taking advantage of. They give punters a good platform to build upon and make it possible to place bets without risking your own money. Just be sure to look out for wagering requirements, minimum odds and eligible markets before signing up.

Free Bet: Free bets are available to both new and existing players. Qualifying conditions vary, with any winnings made available to withdraw immediately in most cases. While the stake will be returned to the bookmaker, free bets have long been one of the most popular promotions.

BOG: This is a promotion specific to horse racing and greyhounds. Many betting sites now feature this offer. Let’s say you bet on Royalle Pagaille to win King George VI Chase at 20/1. However, its starting price increases to 15/1. Your bookie will pay out winnings at greater odds.

Cashback: Cashback offers are common when it comes to horse racing. Whether it be faller insurance, non-runner no bet or beaten by a nose, there is nothing quite like receiving your money back after losing a bet.

Previous Race Winners

Odds can often be affected by past results. This is why it is important to look at races from years gone by, including the winners and runners-up. So, before placing your King George Chase bets this year, check out the table below:

Year	Winner	Jockey	Trainer	SP
2022	Bravemansgame	Harry Cobden	Paul Nicholls	11/4 (3.75)
2021	Tornado Flyer	Danny Mullins	Willie Mullins	28/1 (29.00)
2020	Frodon	Bryony Frost	Paul Nicholls	20/1 (21.00)
2019	Clan des Obeaux	Sam Twiston-Davies	Paul Nicholls	11/2 (6.50)
2018	Clan des Obeaux	Harry Cobden	Paul Nicholls	12/1 (13.00)
2017	Might Bite	Nico de Boinville	Nicky Henderson	6/4 (2.50)
2016	Thistlecrack	Tom Scudamore	Colin Tizzard	11/10 (2.10)
2015	Cue Card	Paddy Brennan	Colin Tizzard	9/2 (5.50)
2014	Silviniaco Conti	Noel Fehily	Paul Nicholls	15/8 (2.88)
2013	Silviniaco Conti	Noel Fehily	Paul Nicholls	7/2 (4.50)

Is it Worth Backing Favourites or Outsiders?

As you can see, over the last decade, the favourite has won the King George VI Chase on four occasions. This is better than the horse racing average, with the favourite winning around 30% of the time across all meetings. Of course, the market leader will come with short odds, which may not appeal to some due to the low returns.

So the question of whether it is worth backing the horse racing favourites has a clear answer. It is better to take the time to research an outsider who you back each way for coverage. The betting for King George Chase odds fluctuate, so if you can find an outsider at the right time, you will reap the rewards come race day.

Other Notable Horse Events

While King George is the most noteworthy event, it takes place around Christmas time, which is not very common for horse racing. On the other hand, the biggest races occur near the summer. Below, we have created a list of some of the top ones: 

⏩ Royal Ascot Betting Tips

⏩ Best Grand National Bookmakers

⏩ Latest St Leger Betting Tips

Best King George VI Chase Betting Sites

The interest in the race continues to grow. While there are no guarantees, many punters will profit from betting on the race. However, you must be prepared to do your homework and take on board the King George Chase tips.

There is often little to choose between entrants, with odds changing almost by the week in the build-up to the race. Look at potential picks, as well as what bet type is best suited. Having done so, check out the best horse racing bookies below: