SOUL OF SPORT: Punters roar on shock winner Hewick to victory in the King George VI Chase… as ANDY HOOPER captured Kempton’s blockbuster Boxing Day meeting
- Kempton's popular Boxing Day meeting did not disappoint as punters saw an exciting King George VI Chase
- ANDY HOOPER was at the historic race meeting to watch the unlikely hero come from behind to claim victory
- DOMINIC KING: £800 horse performs miracle as Hewick uses Shishkin's mistake to win over King George VI
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Welcome back to the Soul of Sport, as Mail Sport's ANDY HOOPER traveled to Kempton's Boxing Day meeting for a dramatic King George VI Chase.
The race has long been synonymous with the festive season, but Tuesday's edition is high on the agenda for drama and contrasting stories, as incredible £800 hero Hewick came from behind to storm to victory.
It would be a battle between Shishkin, favorite Allaho, and last year's winner, Bravemansgame, and they led the six runners to the final two obstacles.
The well-heeled trio were neck and neck until Shishkin fell dramatically after the final hurdle, leaving Allaho and Bravemans to duke it out.
But Hewick wasn't done yet. The eight-year-old flew out to claim a shocking and memorable victory.
Elsewhere, Il Est Francais won the Kauto Star Novices' Chase and heavy favorite Constitution Hill claimed the Christmas Hurdle in the meeting's two other Grade One races.
Hooper was in Kempton on Tuesday to capture the best moments of the day, both on and off the track, and soak up the festive atmosphere.
Long-shot Hewick (left) had odds of 549-1 at one point while running and looked unlikely to take victory over favorite Allaho (right)
Punters turned out in droves at the iconic Boxing Day race meeting, with some making a sartorial nod to the festive season
The King George VI Chase is a jewel in winter and an important Grade 1 show in season
Racegoers may have chosen to stay indoors in the heat as the race runners made their final turn around the parade ring
Kempton saw thousands of visitors take advantage of the Christmas Bank Holiday and travel to the legendary racecourse
In between the day's races, some had to enjoy themselves without the prospect of a quick trip to the bookmakers
Festive racegoers dressed up for the spectacle in their best winter attire – and perhaps showed off some Christmas presents
Mahon's Glory took victory after pulling away early to beat favorite Emailandy in the 3.40pm Handicap Hurdle
Keen punters use binoculars to get the best view of the horses in the distance on a popular day on the racing calendar
A young fan took advantage of the many food stalls to take a break and have lunch during a day out in Sunbury-on-Thames
Paul Nicholls trained the winner of the Kauto Star Novice Chase Il Est Francais, who lived up to his expectations in the Grade One competition
Kempton Park welcomed tens of thousands of visitors to its festive showpiece, with three Grade Ones
Allaho (centre) was the strong favorite to beat King George VI but could not beat the late pace of shock winner Hewick
Racegoers watched with interest as the unlikely winner was the last to emerge from the stalls before making a late entry into the field
Hewick was nowhere to be seen as the six runners prepared to make the final jump and head home (Photo: The Real Whacker)
Willie Mullins-trained nine-year-old Allaho has had just one start in the past 20 months, at Clonmel in November this year
Fans couldn't believe their eyes after they were treated to a famous upset in the legendary Grade One race on Tuesday
There were no signs of a hangover on Boxing Day as racegoers enjoyed the bracing fresh air in Kempton the day after Christmas
Shishkin's rider Nico de Boinville was dismissed after the penultimate hurdle, derailing what could have been a promising victory
Shishkin's trainer Nicky Henderson looked concerned after his winner of the 2022 Queen Mother Champion Chase slipped
But fans in the stands cheered on eventual winner Hewick on a giddy afternoon for National Hunt Racing
Hewick's jockey Gavin Sheehan punched the air with joy after taking the famous win in the middle of a strong season