We are still no closer to finding out the fate of Kempton Park.
As well as being importance on the Flat calendar, remember that so many horses begin their careers there including recent 2000 Guineas winner Notable Speech, the place is synonymous with top-class jumping. In fact, Boxing Day’s King George VI Chase is second in the pecking order only to the Cheltenham Gold Cup and this, among other top events, could be lost.
A housing developer has long since held a stake in the land around Kempton Park. As of yet, no decision has been made on what happens to that land. Houses, as many as 3000, are earmarked for the site and that could spell disaster for the sport, especially for the jumps.
There may be a resolution. Some houses may be allowed to be built on the land which could perhaps still encompass the racecourse and its facilities. The track may even be left alone entirely. If it becomes sold/swamped, what happens to the King George and other top races?
Could the King George Remain at a Different Venue?
If Kempton Park is ultimately sold, don’t be too surprised. Disappointing though it may be, it would prove to be indicative of racing’s finances and the need for quick cash.
The King George, as an event, must remain. There has been talk of it being moved to another Jockey Club-owned venue, Aintree being favourite, but many aren’t happy.
🗣️”It’s just been a difficult track to get people to come to.”
Gather round the fireplace, Sir Mark has given us his thoughts on the future of Kempton Park 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0p6OkLqdb9
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) December 17, 2025
Would the King George be the same race at all if it weren’t run at Kempton? If it did move, perhaps race organisers would like to call time on this great event and simply replace it. A different Grade One chase over three miles under another name would mean a change in racing and not a total loss. One wonders if we’ll simply feel grateful for that in time.
Who Wins This Year’s Event?
Previous winner Banbridge is back, as is Harry Redknapp’s exciting up-and-coming star The Jukebox Man. As of now though, it seems to be between three big-hitters in Fact To File and Gaelic Warrior, both trained by Willie Mullins, and Nicky Henderson’s Jango Baie who appears to be the best value given his obvious talent.
Don’t Sleep on Godolphin’s Flat Talent in the Winter
There’s so much to say regarding the jumping campaign, but the fact is that you probably know most of it. We’ve mentioned it before on these pages, but we need to reiterate that you should not be ignoring the Flat talent running around at this time of year. That goes double for anything sent out currently by Godolphin.
We remarked recently about a number of Charlie Appleby-trained runners flying on the all-weather. Most will make Group horses next spring and beyond, perhaps even being seen in Group 1’s and Classics. There has been even more talent shown in the past week.
Last Friday in Dubai, a few of Godolphin’s and Charlie Appleby’s runners were allowed to showcase their talent at Meydan. The point is that some just don’t come to hand or reach a peak until the British and European Flat turf seasons have come and gone. Many will forget them or underestimate them and be found wanting next spring from a betting point of view.
Case in point Opera Ballo. Last winter, the striking bay colt followed the same Kempton route as Notable Speech and looked to be on course for a Guineas. It’s notable now that he didn’t make that, but Appleby and co were patient.
The son of stable star Ghaiyyath did manage a nice Listed win on the July Course over the summer, but that was about it until last week. Sent to the Group 2 Al Rashidya, a breeding ground for future Group 1 winners, he very readily justified odds-on favouritsm in beating previous top-notcher Nations Pride.
He will be ready to compete with the best this summer back in Europe. Also winning on the card was By The Book, a previously thrice-raced horse who has been kept in training when about to turn five following injuries. With relative inexperience and a lot of weight in a handicap, he too scorched clear, and looked capable of at least contesting Group 2 and Group 3 races coming up.
Carnival Queen landed the odds very nicely at Wolverhampton on Saturday and as recently as Monday, the John Gosden-trained Guildmaster put up a very nice debut when scoring at Lingfield for the Godolphin operation. Racing’s superpower just keeps getting better – don’t forget to keep track of them during the colder months.