Imperial Call to run at Kempton

Imperial Call was yesterday confirmed a runner in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen's Day.

Sarah Lane, the spokesperson for Lisselan Farms, said: "We have made our minds up to go to the King George. The Ericsson at Leopardstown will only be an option if there isn't a bit of cut in the ground at Kempton."

The last Irish-trained horse to win the King George was Captain Christy who won it twice in 1974 and 1975.

Explaining the decision to travel to Britain, Lane added: "The Ericsson looks a very good race but that is not why we are going for the King George. Imperial Call has won the Ericsson before as well as a Hennessy and a Cheltenham Gold Cup and we would like him to have a shot at this.

"He has had a lot of misfortune with injuries that he hasn't deserved and we feel he is the type of horse that will suit the King George."

It was also confirmed yesterday that Paul Carberry, Imperial Call's rider in his last two races, will not be available to ride him in Kempton. With the gelding's former jockey Conor O'Dwyer still suspended the race is now on to find a replacement.

Jamie Osborne, who rode for Lisselan Farms at Punchestown 10 days ago, is available and jockeys agent Dave Roberts has also been approached.

"Nothing has been arranged and no jockey has been booked but there are a few available," Roberts said yesterday. Roberts represents Tony McCoy, who is likely to be claimed for a Martin Pipe runner in the race, and Norman Williamson who is engaged for the Hennessy winner Teeton Mill but has a number of other leading riders on his books such as Mick Fitzgerald, Richard Johnson and Graham Bradley.

"It's a bit sad that Paul can't get off from Leopardstown but he has told us he can't. We should have someone lined up though in the next couple of days," Lane said.

Imperial Call has been installed as low as 9 to 2 third favourite for the Kempton showpiece behind the favourite See More Business. Last year's winner is a general 11 to 4 favourite to complete a double achieved in the past by One Man (1995-'96), The Fellow (1991-'92) and Silver Buck (1979'80). The most successful King George horses have been Desert Orchid (1986-'88-'89-'90) and Wayward Lad (1982-'83-'85.)

Paddy Power betting: 11/4 See More Business, 4 Cyfor Malta, 9/2 Imperial Call, 5 Escartefigue, Teeton Mill, 7 Simply Dashing, 12 Challenger Du Luc, 16 Coome Hill, 20 Super Tactics, 25 Sparky Gayle, Senor El Betrutti, Chiefs Song.

Sean Graham: 11/4 See More Business, 9/2 Cyfor Malta, Escartefigue, Imperial Call and Teeton Mill, 7 Simply Dashing, 10 Challenger Du Luc, 14 The Grey Monk, 16 Coome Hill, 20 Super Tactics, Cool Dawn, 25 Cyborgo, Eudipie, Senor El Betrutti, Sparky Gayle, 33 Chiefs Song.

Also on St Stephen's Day, His Song will reappear in the Grade One Denny Gold Medal Chase at Leopardstown.

His Song was surprisingly beaten in his last start at Punchestown in November but trainer Mouse Morris said yesterday: "His Song has recovered from a lung infection that affected him after Punchestown and I've given him the green light. Tony McCoy will not be available so Shay Barry will ride."