2024 King George VI Chase Result - Banbridge topples Il Est Francais to score at Kempton

Revved up after Constitution Hill's victory in the Christmas Hurdle, the atmosphere was electric at Kempton Park ahead of the 2024 King George VI Chase.

Jimmy Mangan supplemented Spillane's Tower into the race last week and Mark Walsh's mount was sent off as the favourite. Joseph O'Brien's Banbridge was backed into second-favouritism during the build-up. Corbetts Cross and Envoi Allen also made the trip over from Ireland. 

Grey Dawning recovered in time to take his chance at Kempton and Dan Skelton had high hopes for his Betfair Chase runner-up. L'Homme Presse and Bravemansgame ran in yet another King George, as The Real Whacker had his second start in this historic contest.

James Reveley partnered last year's Kauto Star winner Il Est Francais, who topped the betting initially but drifted out to 10/1 after pulling up at Auteuil in November. Noel George & Amanda Zetterholm were also represented by Coral Gold Cup fourth General En Chef, with Juntos Ganamos also flying the flag for France in Thursday's main event.

James Reveley was keen to keep Il Est Francais away from the other runners at the start. The Real Whacker was another to be kept apart and they were the two who cut out the early running.

At the second fence, Il Est Francais had already opened up a three-length lead. Grey Dawning jumped the first slowly and found himself a little wide as a result. Banbridge, Spillane's Tower and Corbetts Cross were held up at the rear.

Il Est Francais extended his lead to around eight lengths as the field passed the stands for the first time. None of the other jockeys seemed keen to close the gap, with The Real Whacker and Bravemansgame sitting second and third.

Envoi Allen scrapped the paint throughout the first circuit. Corbetts Cross had made a couple of significant early errors. General En Chef dropped to the rear with a mile-and-a-half to travel.

Grey Dawning wasn't getting particularly high at his fences. Harry Skelton gave his mount the hurry up going into the final open ditch, as Envoi Allen blundered and unseated Rachael Blackmore.

Turning for home, Il Est Francais extended his advantage. Jumping the third last, the leader was ten lengths clear. Banbridge broke free from the pack to try and chase the leader down, as the other runners began to toil.

James Reveley was still unmoved in the saddle as Il Est Francais approached the final flight. The leader steadied himself into it, allowing Banbridge to pull upsides. On landing, it was immediately clear that Il Est Francais had nothing left to give, and Paul Townend punched the air as Banbridge claimed an unlikely victory.

L'Homme Presse crossed the line a distant third, a remarkable effort considering it was his first start of the season. Spillane's Tower was held up too far off the pace and eventually finished fifth behind The Real Whacker. Corbetts Cross kept on well to finish sixth.