Long Run heads King George 24 Long Run heads a star-studded entry of 24 for the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on St Stephen's Day. Sizing Europe is a notable absentee with connections now concentrating on shorter distances following his defeat in the JNWine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal last Saturday. Irish interest is represented by Paul Nolan's Noble Prince and the Dessie Hughes-trained Roberto Goldback. Long Run opened a new era for jump racing when triumphant in the delayed Kempton Park showpiece last January before going on to Cheltenham Festival glory. Now the six-year-old, whom the sponsor makes its even money favourite, is aiming to win back-to-back "King George's" during the 2011 William Hill Winter Festival. Victory for Nicky Henderson's gelding would make him a unique horse - the only one ever to have won two William Hill King George VI Chases and a Cheltenham Gold Cup in the same calendar year. Brian Clifford, Kempton Park's director of racing, said: "These entries delight us in terms of the depth of quality. Long Run is a clear favourite to retain his William Hill King George VI Steeple Chase crown, but he will still face stern opposition. The clock is now counting down to one of the most eagerly anticipated horse races of the year." Long Run, with amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen, is poised to make his seasonal debut in Haydock Park's Betfair Chase on November 19. After that, all roads lead to Kempton Park. His 23 rivals for the £180,000 Grade 1 include four-time winner Kauto Star, Arkle winner Captain Chris and dual Champion Chase winner Master Minded. Tom George's Nacarat, What A Friend and Wishfull Thinking are all entered, along with Charlie Hall Chase winner Weird Al and Diamond Harry. Sponsors bet : Evens Long Run, 8-1 Captain Chris, Master Minded, 10-1 Wishfull Thinking, 12-1 Weird Al, 14-1 Riverside Theatre, 16-1 Kauto Star, Medermit, 20-1 Diamond Harry, Kauto Stone, Noble Prince, Somersby, 25-1 Mon Parrain, 33-1 Midnight Chase, Nacarat, Wayward Prince, What A Friend, 50-1 Planet Of Sound, Quinz, Roberto Goldback, 66-1 Tartak, The Giant Bolster, 150-1 Golan Way.
