LAST UPDATE | 26 Dec 2022
PAUL NICHOLLS WAS proved spot-on in his assertion that Bravemansgame is a tailor-made for the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase as he provided him with a record 13th victory in the St Stephen’s Day showpiece.
The seven-year-old was a brilliant winner of the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase on this day 12 months ago, since when a return to Kempton for the big one has been top of his agenda.
Bravemansgame’s stablemate Frodon, the King George hero of 2020, gave his usual bold sight in front for much of the three-mile journey, but began to give way turning for home and at the top of the home straight it became clear it was going to develop into a straight shootout between the big two.
L’Homme Presse held a narrow advantage approaching the third fence from the finish, but Bravemansgame (11-4) and Harry Cobden mastered him between the last two two and was in command when L’Homme Presse unseated Charlie Deutsch at the final obstacle.
In the end it was L’Homme Presse’s stablemate Royale Pagaille who finished best of the rest, some 14 lengths adrift of the brilliant winner. Frodon was third, another four and quarter lengths back.
Envoi Allen was back in seventh for Rachael Blackmore and Henry de Bromhead.
Bravemansgame wins the King George!
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) December 26, 2022
Another victory in the race for Paul Nicholls!#VMTVRacing pic.twitter.com/0M9nOqdCqE
Constitution Hill again made winning a top-level race look easy as he breezed to a 17-length success in the Christmas Hurdle.
National Hunt racing’s new star had beaten stablemate Epatante – herself a previous dual Christmas Hurdle winner – by 12 lengths at Newcastle in the Fighting Fifth and the two met again, much to Nicky Henderson’s chagrin.
Briefly the mare looked to be in with a chance on this occasion, as Nico de Boinville just had to slightly niggle on the 1-7 favourite to go forward as they turned into the straight.
But just as at Newcastle, once Constitution Hill was asked a question he responded in kind, and gradually drew further and further clear.
A spring-heeled leap at the last sealed matters and he remains favourite for the Champion Hurdle in March.
Constitution Hill wins again!
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) December 26, 2022
He is just so so impressive.#VMTVRacing pic.twitter.com/8LIpi4Oat9
Paisley Park raised the roof at Kempton by winning the rescheduled Long Walk Hurdle today.
Trainer Emma Lavelle had voiced concerns pre-race that staging the race at such a sharp track would not suit her stable star Paisley Park – and that looked sure to be proven right as the soon-to-be 11-year-old began to lose touch turning into the straight.
It was Champ, who had made all the running, who looked to hold all the aces as he was still travelling well for Jonjo O’Neill junior, while Goshen – trying three miles for the first time – had still to play his hand.
PAISLEY PARK! 👏
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) December 26, 2022
Rolls back the years to win a FOURTH Grade 1 and a THIRD Long Walk! 🏆
Just shy of his 11th birthday!#VMTVRacing pic.twitter.com/0G1lBGeBEm
But as stamina possibly began to tell, Goshen had no more to give and Champ was soon sending out distress signals, too, as Aidan Coleman and his old partner began to stay on relentlessly.
On jumping the last Paisley Park (9-2) just took off in front and from there the result seemed inevitable as he powered away to win by four and a quarter lengths from Goshen to gain a fourth Grade One success.
Coleman told ITV Racing: “That’s three Long Walks he’s won now, two at Ascot and one at Kempton.
“I find it hard not to get emotional about him as he’s an absolute pleasure. He’s been a mainstay of my career for a long period of time, he’s taken me to places that I’m struggling to repeat – especially this year.”
Thyme Hill reversed Newbury form with McFabulous in no uncertain terms when winning the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase.
Paul Nicholls’ McFabulous had Thyme Hill well behind when they met in a Grade Two last time out at Newbury, with the pair among a five-runner field upped to Grade One company.
Not surprisingly McFabulous was sent off favourite today and Harry Cobden attempted to dictate matters from the front, a task made easier when Dan Skelton’s Galia Des Liteaux made a couple of early blunders meaning she ended up settling in behind.
Unfortunately her early errors took a toll and she was pulled up on the second circuit, while Gelino Bello was a faller.
All the time Tom O’Brien was creeping closer on Philip Hobbs’ Thyme Hill and there was never going to be any question about his stamina given how well he stayed over hurdles.
THYME HILL! 🌿
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) December 26, 2022
Strong finish under Tom O'Brien to beat McFabulous in the Kauto Star Novices' Chase!#VMTVRacing pic.twitter.com/i8G8NcKRH6
As McFabulous tired it was Thyme Hill (11-2) who soared over the last, with the first-time cheekpieces clearly working as he came home 15 lengths clear.
