Royale Pagaille entered the history books at Haydock earlier this season by defending his crown in the Lancashire Chase. He became the fifth horse in history to win the Grade One contest more than once.
Trainer Venetia Williams has confirmed that the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day is now the target for her horse as he bids for more Grade One glory this season.
Ground Conditions May Be Key to Royale Pagaille’s Chances
Royale Pagaille has proven over the last three years that he is one of the leading staying chasers in the UK and Ireland, especially when conditions are testing, like they were at Haydock. He is now 16/1 in the horse racing odds to follow up his Lancashire Chase triumph with a success in the 2024 King George VI Chase.
As the horse racing results show, the 10-year-old beat a strong field at the Lancashire venue that included Grey Dawning. He was involved in a battle with the younger horse after the last fence in the 3m contest. Despite trailing his rival in the run to the finish line, he dug deep to prevail by two lengths.
Williams will be hoping for rain to fall in the build-up to this year’s King George. Her horse’s best form has come on soft and heavy ground. If Royale Pagaille gets that at Kempton for the second most prestigious race in the 3m chase division, he will be a leading player once again.
Gone Close Before in the King George
Royale Pagaille will have a second shot at the King George VI Chase this year. Williams’ stable star finished second in the race in 2022 behind Bravemansgame.
The Williams team opted against the Kempton contest in 2023 and instead waited for the Cotswold Chase on Trials Day at Cheltenham. After coming out of his race at Haydock well, they have decided to have another go at the King George VI Chase.
Royale Pagaille is likely to meet Grey Dawning once again at Kempton for round two of their rivalry. There is also expected to be a strong contingent from Ireland, with Fact To File, Corbetts Cross, Envoi Allen and last year’s winner Hewick being linked with a trip across the Irish Sea.
Cheltenham Gold Cup Set to Be a Target Too
Following his victory at Haydock in the Lancashire course’s biggest race of the season, Williams will also have the Cheltenham Gold Cup on her radar for her chaser. It is the Blue Riband event in the sport, and Royale Pagaille will be bidding to give her a first success in the race.
Royale Pagaille has lined up in three renewals of the Cheltenham Gold Cup. He has performed consistently well in the race so far, finishing fifth in 2022 and sixth in 2021 and 2023. His latest official rating of 166 suggests he will go into the most prestigious two races of the season with a great chance of finishing in the placings.
This year’s King George VI Chase will be the 74th running of the race, and the runners are bidding to join a roll of honour that includes the best chasers in the sport’s history.
