The Daily Star Ireland
Gaelic Warrior, initially the favorite for the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton, has been withdrawn following the latest confirmation stage, leaving 16 contenders in the race. The Arkle winner, trained by Willie Mullins, had led the betting after Il Est Francais’s last performance in France, but he will not be aiming to secure owner Rich Ricci’s 100th Grade One victory on St Stephen’s Day.
Currently, Mullins does not have any entries in the race, having also withdrawn Il Etait Temps, Ferny Hollow, and Galopin Des Champs. However, there remains an opportunity for supplementary entries on December 18.
Il Est Francais remains in contention for Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm despite his recent defeat at Auteuil. The partnership has also kept General En Chef in the running, who is scheduled to compete in the Coral Gold Cup this weekend.
Among the potential contenders are previous winners Bravemansgame and Hewick, although Hewick will need to switch trainers due to Shark Hanlon’s suspension starting December 1.
There are several strong Irish contenders still in the race, including Banbridge, Corbetts Cross, Envoi Allen, Found A Fifty, and Jungle Boogie.
Dan Skelton has surprisingly left Grey Dawning in the race, along with Ryanair winner Protektorat. Venetia Williams also has two strong entries: Royale Pagaille, who recently won his second Betfair Chase and is owned by Ricci, and L’Homme Presse, who might have finished second to Bravemansgame two years ago if he had not unseated Charlie Deutsch at the last hurdle.
Completing the list of contenders are Ahoy Senor, Ga Law, and Ginny’s Destiny.
The sponsors have placed Corbetts Cross and Envoi Allen as the joint-favorites at 4-1. According to Alex Apati of Ladbrokes, Gaelic Warrior’s withdrawal has significantly shaken up the betting scene, with Corbetts Cross and Envoi Allen now leading the odds, with current preferences leaning towards Envoi Allen.
