Sean Bowen Boxing Day Blog | Kempton
23 Dec 2025
Coral Racing Ambassador, Sean Bowen, gives us the inside scoop on his four rides at Kempton on Boxing Day, including last year's King George winner, BANBRIDGE, who has the chance to emulate the likes of Silviniaco Conti and Kauto Star as he bids to win the feature race in back-to-back seasons.
12:45 Kempton – Barlovento
If I am being honest, I thought I gave Barlovento a bad ride last time at Exeter. I got to the front too soon, and that probably cost us, so I won’t be doing that again!
His run at Exeter was his first outing since having a wind-op. That procedure looks to have done the trick with him. I am confident of another big run, as I don’t think a 4lb ride in the ratings will hurt him too much, and he remains a progressive chaser.
Noble Park is bidding to complete a hat-trick in this race for Nicky Henderson, and he is the one we will all have to beat.
14:30 Kempton – Banbridge
It is fantastic to be involved in the King George VI Chase on a horse that has a big chance. Banbridge obviously stays very well, and he is two from two at Kempton, including victory in this race 12 months ago. The ground looks like it’s going to be ‘Good’, so that will be in his favour. There is a lot to like about his chances.
I’ve only ever ridden in the King George twice before, and never on board a horse that has gone there with strong hopes. As soon as I got the call to ride Banbridge, I jumped at the opportunity, as any top rider would.
I really think you can make a strong case for the top six or seven horses in the betting for this race. The Irish horses are all strong, and then The Jukebox Man looked impressive on his return at Haydock last time. It is a great renewal, as it should be, as the King George is one of the highlights of our year. If I can win this race, it would make my Christmas!
15:05 Kempton – Zamek
Zamek put in a good performance on his opening start over hurdles at Lingfield. He probably needed that run. I thought he jumped and travelled well, and he is sure to come forward from that outing. He is a lovely horse, and one that both Olly Murphy and I like a lot.
15:40 Kempton – Kap Boy
Kap Boy ran well at Cheltenham on his latest start, staying on up the hill. That came after an impressive victory at Perth. I really do think Olly’s runners have a great chance on Boxing Day, and this horse is no different. He has some nice experience on his side now, so that will play in his favour.
Sean Bowen, Coral Racing Ambassador
12:45 Kempton – Barlovento
If I am being honest, I thought I gave Barlovento a bad ride last time at Exeter. I got to the front too soon, and that probably cost us, so I won’t be doing that again!
His run at Exeter was his first outing since having a wind-op. That procedure looks to have done the trick with him. I am confident of another big run, as I don’t think a 4lb ride in the ratings will hurt him too much, and he remains a progressive chaser.
Noble Park is bidding to complete a hat-trick in this race for Nicky Henderson, and he is the one we will all have to beat.
14:30 Kempton – Banbridge
It is fantastic to be involved in the King George VI Chase on a horse that has a big chance. Banbridge obviously stays very well, and he is two from two at Kempton, including victory in this race 12 months ago. The ground looks like it’s going to be ‘Good’, so that will be in his favour. There is a lot to like about his chances.
I’ve only ever ridden in the King George twice before, and never on board a horse that has gone there with strong hopes. As soon as I got the call to ride Banbridge, I jumped at the opportunity, as any top rider would.
I really think you can make a strong case for the top six or seven horses in the betting for this race. The Irish horses are all strong, and then The Jukebox Man looked impressive on his return at Haydock last time. It is a great renewal, as it should be, as the King George is one of the highlights of our year. If I can win this race, it would make my Christmas!
15:05 Kempton – Zamek
Zamek put in a good performance on his opening start over hurdles at Lingfield. He probably needed that run. I thought he jumped and travelled well, and he is sure to come forward from that outing. He is a lovely horse, and one that both Olly Murphy and I like a lot.
15:40 Kempton – Kap Boy
Kap Boy ran well at Cheltenham on his latest start, staying on up the hill. That came after an impressive victory at Perth. I really do think Olly’s runners have a great chance on Boxing Day, and this horse is no different. He has some nice experience on his side now, so that will play in his favour.
Sean Bowen, Coral Racing Ambassador
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