Options open for Banbridge after just falling short in Kempton foray
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Sun 28 Dec 2025
Joseph O’Brien is in no rush to map out plans for Banbridge after he relinquished his King George VI Chase title in a Kempton cracker on Boxing Day.
The nine-year-old was involved in a thrilling four-way finish to the three-mile highlight, having to give best by a nose to The Jukebox Man with Gaelic Warrior the same distance back in third and Jango Baie only half a length adrift in fourth.
Speaking after Home By The Lee finished fourth in Sunday’s Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown, O’Brien said: “He (Banbridge) seems to have come out of the race well.
“He ran great. We’ll let the dust settle and make plans from there.
“It was a brilliant race, and brilliant race today. The staying chase division is very open at the moment and we’re delighted to have one of the contenders.”
O’Brien took a direct route to the Cheltenham Gold Cup following that win, with Banbridge finishing a well-beaten seventh behind Inothewayurthinkin before trailing home last of four behind Galopin Des Champs in the Punchestown Gold Cup after that.
When it was put to him that it could be a cracking Gold Cup in March, he added: “There is no doubt it will be, hopefully they all get there.”
Related posts
Goldie has Nunthorpe in his sights with rejuvenated Affair
Estrange taken out of Yorkshire Oaks, with big autumn campaign looming
Menuisier hoping Inis has Mor to offer in Oaks
Matron looking the ‘obvious’ next stop for prolific Blue Bolt
Botti considering more international adventures for Giavellotto
Todays top offer
Get 1,000,000 Free Spins on J Cole
T&Cs Apply
Featured offers
Bet £10 get £40 in Free Bets
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £40 in Free Bets with Midnite
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £40 in Free Bets
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved