Fact To File smashed into King George VI Chase favouritism

Jon Vine

Editor

Last updated: Tue 16 Dec 2025 15:32

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Jon Vine 16 Dec 2025

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Fact To File becomes the new King George VI Chase favourite
Willie Mullins considers racing him at Kempton
JP McManus may have influenced the decision to reroute Fact To File

Fact To File ridden by Mark Walsh race clear of the final fence to win the Ryanair Chase. (Getty)

The King George VI Chase market was turned on it's head on Tuesday, as Fact To File was backed into favouritism.

Willie Mullins entered his Ryanair Chase winner in the King George VI Chase at the start of the season. Mullins was impressed with his star's comeback run in the John Durkan Memorial Chase, where Fact To File was beaten into second by stablemate Gaelic Warrior, as the top two pulled clear of the field.

Despite keeping both of his stars in the King George field at the latest stage of entries, it seemed like the top two from the John Durkan would be split up over Christmas. Gaelic Warrior topped the early betting for the King George, with Fact To File leading Galopin Des Champs and Inothewayurthinking in the market for the Savills Chase at Leopardstown.

However, bookmakers started to report King George support for Fact To File this morning, cutting him from 7s into 5/1. That support has snowballed this afternoon, and Willie Mullins' star now heads the King George VI Chase betting with bookmakers Unibet.

Most firms still list Gaelic Warrior as the favourite. BOYLE Sports, for example, list Gaelic Warrior at 9/4, with Fact To File just a quarter of a point behind at 5/2.

Connections are yet to confirmed what direction their stars will be going in over Christmas. Yet, it seems like the decision has been made by owner, JP McManus.

McManus rarely has runners in the King George VI Chase, instead preferring to run his top chaser in the Savills Chase. Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Inothewayurthinkin finished miles behind the top two in the John Durkan, but is expected to strip much fitter for that reappearance and give the returning Galopin Des Champs a real race at the Leopardstown Christmas Festival.

JP has clearly had a word in Willie Mullins' ear, and asked for Fact To File to be rerouted to Kempton. There, he'll have the opportunity to reverse the John Durkan form with Gaelic Warrior, and take on leading British hopes Jango Baie and The Jukebox Man.

King George VI Chase with BOYLE Sports

7/4 Gaelic Warrior, 5/2 Fact To File, 11/4 Jango Baie, 11/2 The Jukebox Man, 10/1 Djelo, 16/1 Banbridge, Il Est Francias, 33/1 bar