Tipperary trained Banbridge is best backed horse for the festive feature race this week

BoyleSports has reported that Banbridge is the best backed horse in the 11-strong field declared for Boxing Day’s King George VI Chase at Kempton.

The Joseph O’Brien trained eight-year-old has seen his odds cut into 5/1 from 17/2 for the feature race on the Kempton card as he tackles the three-mile trip over fences for the first time

French raider, Il Est Francais, who put in a spectacular performance when landing the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase over course and distance last year, has also been supported into 9/2 (from 7/1) to recapture that form after failing to fire in two of his last three starts.

Jimmy Mangan’s Spillane’s Tower (7/2) will head to post as the likely favourite as weather watchers keep a close eye on the forecast, with Grey Dawning (4/1) heading the home challenge for Dan Skelton.

The preceding Christmas Hurdle will serve up a clash for the ages for racegoers at Kempton as Lossiemouth edges favouritism at even money over the returning Constitution Hill (6/5), while punters at Leopardstown will be served up a festive treat on the 28^th, as Galopin Des Champs (6/4) and Fact To File (6/4) clash in the Savills Chase.

Brian O’Keeffe, spokesperson for BoyleSports, said: “It’s a real racing bonanza on the 26^th and punters are already giving Banbridge a strong vote of confidence in the King George. He’s by far the best backed horse in the festive feature and if he obliges, plenty of punters will end the year on a high.”

King George VI Chase – 2.30 Kempton (26^th December)

7/2        Spillane’s Tower

4/1        Grey Dawning

9/2        Il Est Francais

5/1        Banbridge

12/1      Corbetts Cross

12/1      L’Homme Presse

12/1      Envoi Allen

16/1      Juntos Ganamos

20/1      Bravemansgame

20/1      The Real Whacker

100/1   General En Chef