Clan Des Obeaux wins The King George
Clan Des Obeaux trained by Paul Nicholls has won the Kind George VI Chase at Kempton Park, that took place on 26th December 2019, for the second year in a row.
Clan Des Obeaux who was ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies came from the front of the field with two fences left to win the race by a massive 21 lengths. This win gave trainer Paul Nicholls a record-breaking 11th wins of the historic Christmas time meet, the King George VI chase.
In an interview after the race Paul Nicholls said, “It’s nice to have a one-two and it’s nice for Sam to ride a Grade One winner. I said all along it was a tough call for Harry. I couldn’t really advise him what to do. I’ve always said he’s a better horse this year, as he’s a year older and stronger. If he keeps going forward it could put him in the Gold Cup picture. The key is to be really fresh – it wouldn’t be the worst decision to go straight to Cheltenham with him.”
Paul Nicholls then went on to say, “We’ve got to go for 12 now, haven’t we? There’s no reason why both horses won’t be back next year.”
Clan Des Obeaux is co-owned by Sir Alex with Paul Barber and Ged Mason. Nicholls said: “To win for my landlord Paul Barber, in his colours, and for Ged, who sponsors my yard, and Sir Alex, who has already been on the phone, is fantastic.”
The Horse Exchange would like to extend our congratulations to both Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson, who are two of the biggest names in jump’s racing, and who have both received an OBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours list.
On receiving his OBE, Paul Nicholls, said: “It’s a great achievement, and I’m really honoured and proud. “It’s credit to everybody really, because I couldn’t do it without all the brilliant staff and owners we have. “I always say I’m just a part of Team Ditcheat – and this is for all of them.”
Nicky Henerson said: “It is a huge honour. We’ve been doing this a long time, and I love the game, and the game has been very good to us. It is very nice we have been recognised in this way. It certainly doesn’t mean I’m retiring either! “It is slightly different to having a big winner. Two years ago, the Queen gave us an honour with an LVO, which is a personal one from the Queen. I think this is more so from the people, which is nice, and it is an honour to our team really. “I don’t think it necessarily belongs to me, I think it belongs to Seven Barrows – but you can’t have Seven Barrows OBE, so I’m afraid it goes down to NJ Henderson. “We’ve been very lucky all round. We have had some wonderful owners from the word go, and still have and still love it.”