Benbulben takes George chance Mount Benbulben is the sole Irish challenger for the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen's Day. Gordon Elliott's eight-year-old unshipped Danny Mullins on his comeback at Down Royal but struck at the highest level as a novice last season. Willie Mullins has taken out Prince De Beauchene, and 2012 runner-up Captain Chris won't be taking his chance either, having met with a late setback. Trainer Philip Hobbs said: "He's banged a joint schooling, it's nothing serious but he won't be running. I hope he will now run in the new williamhill.com Chase at Kempton on January 11." Hobbs is still represented in the nine-runner field by Menorah, but Colin Tizzard's stable star Cue Card taking top billing. The seven-year-old silenced those who doubted his ability to stay three miles with a determined display in the Betfair Chase last month and he will once again lock horns with the Haydock runner-up, David Pipe's Dynaste. Paul Nicholls, trainer of the five-times King George hero Kauto Star, has two major contenders this time around. Al Ferof made a winning return from over a year off the track in the Amlin 1965 Chase at Ascot and will be ridden by Daryl Jacob, while stable companion and Betfair Chase third Silviniaco Conti is also in the field and is the mount of Noel Fehily. Nicholls' great rival Nicky Henderson saddles dual King George winner Long Run and recent Peterborough Chase hero Riverside Theatre. Long Run has something to prove after disappointing in the Charlie Hall at Wetherby and the Betfair Chase and is fitted with a visor for the first time. Riverside Theatre wears both blinkers and a hood. The line-up is completed by Martin Keighley's Peterborough Chase runner-up Champion Court.
