Horse racing has long been dubbed the ’sport of kings’, and for a long time it was a sport where only the rich and famous could play. We underlings could always have a bet, of course, but owning a thoroughbred was definitely out of the question. These days, anyone can own a horse, or at least a partial share in a horse, and everyone enjoys a day out at the races. Online bookmakers love horse racing too. For a long time it was their life blood. It’s always good to see them putting something back into the industry – and William Hill is doing just that this weekend.

They are sponsors of the King George VI Chase meeting at Kempton today, the meeting that was postponed on Boxing Day due to the weather. William Hill are sponsors for all the races on today’s card, but all eyes are on the main event.

Kauto Star has already won this event four times and is looking to make it a fifth. Online bookmakers are so confident of his success that they have made him a firm odds on favourite at 5/7. Horse racing is fickle and while he is a superb horse and well suited to this event, anything can happen on the day.

Second favourite is Long Run at 7/1 while The Nightingale at 10/1 completes the top three.  The favourite is getting on in years and while he may have four consecutive victories in this race, we think his time may be up.  Riverside Theatre at 16/1 looks to be excellent value. He has won here over 2 1/2 miles and seems to be improving all the time. At 16/1, he is good value and that’s our tip ahead of Forpadydeplasterer at 12/1 and the favourite Kauto Star for third.