Banbridge hotly tipped to take the top prize at big Boxing day event - but it might not be the Banbridge that first comes to mind

Not the town but the horse

A horse called Banbridge is fancied to take the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase.

The town’s namesake will be hopeful to take the trophy back to Ireland for the third time in four years.

Tornado Flyer came out on top in 2021 and Hewick famously flew home from way back to snatch the spoils at Kempton last season.

A strong raiding party will head over the Irish Sea once again and Banbridge is rated the pick.

Joseph O'Brien's charge has already proven himself a good traveller, scoring twice at Cheltenham , landing a Grade One novice chase at Aintree and beating Pic d'Orhy at this venue back in January.

Stepping up to three miles should be no problem judged on that course victory and the way he kept on strongly to win the Martin Pipe race over hurdles at the 2022 Festival.

Banbridge was below par on his seasonal reappearance at Navan but ran a cracker when pushing Energumene hard in the Hilly Way at Cork until carried right and unseating his rider at the final fence.