2025 King George VI Chase Result - The Jukebox Man wins a thriller at Kempton

Jon Vine

Editor

Last updated: Fri 26 Dec 2025 14:52

Jon Vine 26 Dec 2025

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Full result for the 2025 King George VI Chase
The Jukebox Man won this Grade One at Kempton on December 26th
Watch a replay of the King George here on our website

Ben Jones riding The Jukebox Man (red/white striped cap) clear the last to win The Ladbrokes King George VI Chas eat Kempton. (Getty)

Banbridge ran down Il Est Francais to win the King George VI Chase last year, but such was the strength of this year's renewal, the top two from 2024 are both available at double-figure prices.

Heading the market was Gaelic Warrior, and Paul Townend's mount was strong at the head of the betting before the off. Willie Mullins' star got the better of stablemate Fact To File when the two met in last month's John Durkan, and he too made the trip to Kempton on Boxing Day.

Nicky Henderson was represented by Arkle winner Jango Baie, who bolted up in the 1965 Chase on his reappearance. Ben Pauling ran last year's Kauto Star winner The Jukebox Man, and punters were keen to side with Ben Jones' mount in the build-up.

Charlie Deutsch's mount Djelo sat just ahead of Banbridge and Il Est Francais in the market. Former Grade Two winner, Master Chewy completed the line-up on his first start over three miles.

2025 King George VI Chase Result

Position	Name	Odds
1st	The Jukebox Man	7/1
2nd	Banbridge	16/1
3rd	Gaelic Warrior	9/4f

Il Est Francais almost made all of the running to land this historic contest 12 months ago, and Harry Cobden was keen to get to the front early again. Ben Jones wanted to make the running on The Jukebox Man too, and they set some swift fractions early on.

Paul Townend bagged the rail on Gaelic Warrior, and tracked the leading pair early on. Banbridge tracked Gaelic Warrior, with Jango Baie and Fact To File travelling side-by-side. Charlie Deutsch took his time aboard Djelo, with Master Chewy held up at the rear.

Il Est Francais jumped well out in front, steadying the pace a little down the back straight. Fact To File made a couple of early errors, but was still well in-touch with the leaders as the field turned into the home straight for the first time.

Nico de Boinville didn't seem too worried about Jango Baie's stamina, keeping the second-favourite wide throughout. Gaelic Warrior dived at the final flight on the straight, but cleared it well and travelled comfortably in third coming out of the straight.

Entering the second circuit, most of the field was well-bunched behind Il Est Francais. Master Chewy began to feel the pinch first, and Mark Walsh had to bump Fact To File along with a mile left to travel.

Turning for home, Ben Jones was the first to commit aboard The Jukebox Man, who moved into the lead as Il Est Francais backed out. Jango Baie remained in the mix on the outsider, although Nico de Boinville was hard at work. Djelo made a sweeping move around the outside, as Gaelic Warrior and Fact To File found themselves a little outpaced coming into the straight.

Paul Townend galvanised the favourite and Gaelic Warrior moved back up to challenge. Suddenly, Banbridge burst onto the scene alongside Jango Baie and the four leads jumped the last with genuine chances.

Banbridge jumped the last the best and opened a small lead. Gaelic Warrior kept going along the rail. In-between horses, The Jukebox Man dropped back to third, but fought back in the dying strides to force a photo finish.

It was a nervy wait for Ben Jones, who punched the air after the line. Yet, it was Ben Pauling and Harry Redknapp who jumped for joy when the result was called, with The Jukebox Man coming out on top.

Banbridge ran a mighty race back in second, with Gaelic Warrior less than a neck behind in third. Jango Baie kept on to his credit to finish fifth, ahead of Fact To File and Djelo, who couldn't sustain their challenges.