Can Fact To File right a King George wrong for JP McManus and give the legendary owner a first win in the race?

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With star chaser Fact To File on course for the King George VI Chase (2.30), he could finally give JP McManus a breakthrough win in the Boxing Day highlight. It is a rare big race the powerful owner has yet to tick off, and he has had some notable defeats in it before.

Spillane's Tower, Corbetts Cross (2024)

McManus does not often target the King George, but he fielded a formidable two-strong team last year, with both his runners sent off at single-figure odds.

Spillane's Tower, a Grade 1 winner as a novice, was the 11-4 favourite and the choice of McManus's number one rider in Ireland, Mark Walsh. However, his chance evaporated when he was hampered by a shuddering error from Grey Dawning at the first fence.

He never got back into the race from there and was a distant fifth behind Banbridge, beaten 17 and a half lengths.

Corbetts Cross, sent off at 17-2, did not fare better and finished one place behind him in sixth and 20 and a half lengths behind the winner, continuing McManus's hoodoo in the race.

Chantry House (2021)

In a running containing two previous King George winners and a Cheltenham Gold Cup hero, would you have guessed Chantry House would have gone off as favourite?

That is exactly what happened, as the Nicky Henderson-trained chaser went off the 3-1 market leader in a field containing Minella Indo, Clan Des Obeaux and Frodon. 

However,  he was bitterly disappointing as he was ridden along with a circuit to go and pulled up after the 12th fence.

Chantry House: sent off favourite for a King GeorgeCredit: Edward Whitaker

First Gold (2001, 2003, 2004)

This French star is on the King George roll of honour, but McManus purchased him after he triumphed in the 2000 running for Francois and Thierry Doumen.

Sent off the 6-4 favourite a year later, he could not join the elite as a dual winner when a 33-length fourth behind Florida Pearl. After missing the 2002 edition, he returned in 2003, when he was an admirable third to Edredon Bleu.

His final crack at conquering Kempton again came in 2004, but he was a 31-length fifth to Kicking King.

Jack Of Trumps (1978, 1979)

Right at the beginning of McManus's time in ownership, he nearly cracked the King George but fell short.

In the 1978 running, Jack Of Trumps found Gay Spartan too good when runner-up. He filled the same position a year later when he was unfortunate to bump into Silver Buck.

Read more:

Fact To File given Kempton aim as he usurps Gaelic Warrior at the head of King George betting 

Robbie Wilders believes it's all to play for in the King George despite Willie Mullins holding his strongest hand yet  

'I would be first in the queue' - Paul Nicholls throws his support behind Nicky Henderson's campaign to save Kempton 

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