The King George VI Chase has been run at Kempton Park for the last 72 years, occurring twice before proceedings were interrupted by World War 2 and restarting in 1947. During the war Kempton Park was used as a reception centre for prisoners of war. The race is run over 3 miles and incorporates a total of 18 fences, taking place on Boxing Day and betting on a wide variety of horses and riders is available online.

Since 2006 the event has been dominated by Kauto Star and in 2009 the bookmakers are putting Kauto Star as a favourite with odds of 1/1 currently available. One more win would put Kauto Star level with past winner Desert Orchid which won four times between 1986 and 1990 to be the most prolific individual winner. Kauto Star is ridden this year again by Ruby Walsh, who has managed to take his horse on to win several other highly respected races in recent years. There is no doubt that this year could potentially confirm Kauto Star as one of the truly great race horses of recent history.

Kauto Star's stablemate Denman is also in the running this year, with odds of 7/1 available. Betting on either of these excellent horses is going to be something many people consider. Madison Du Berlais is also a favourite with odds of 9/2. This year's event is sponsored by the bookmakers William Hill who have taken the reigns from previous sponsors Stan James. At the time that this was announced in April 2009 they were seen to be the salvation of the race in worrying economic times. As such William Hill were also able to get quite a good deal on the sponsorship, which should pay dividends once December 26th 2009 rolls around.