Racing:Long Run spearheads 10 horses declared for the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen's Day. The Nicky Henderson-trained seven-year-old won the race two seasons ago and finished second to the mighty Kauto Star last year.
Henderson also has an able second-string in Riverside Theatre, who finished runner-up behind Long Run in the 2010-11 renewal.
Kauto Stone, a half-brother to five-times King George winner Kauto Star, takes his chance for champion trainer Paul Nicholls.
David Pipe has two good-looking contenders in Grands Crus and Junior, who was supplemented for the race earlier in the week.
Philip Hobbs relies upon last year’s third Captain Chris after taking out Menorah and Wishfull Thinking at the final declaration stage on Sunday morning.
The Giant Bolster, runner-up in last season’s Cheltenham Gold Cup, and recent Haldon Gold Cup winner Cue Card have also been declared.
Champion Court, trained by Martin Keighley, and For Non Stop from Nick Williams’s stable complete the line-up.
Hunt Ball, Sir Des Champs, and Finian’s Rainbow were the others withdrawn.