Bank's chance to lay the ghost

Anyone whose Boxing Day was ruined last year by Barton Bank's last-fence fall when 12 lengths clear in the King George VI Chase at Kempton will have the chance to relive the experience all over again this year.

The 1993 winner of the race was installed 4-1 favourite by William Hill after an entry of 19 was announced for the big race yesterday.

Last year's lucky winner Algan is in the field, as are Master Oats, who won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March, Martha's Son, One Man and the Irish hopes, Sound Man and Merry Gale.

Kempton's clerk of the course Michael Webster said: "With such a wealth of top class entries from three different countries, the 1995 King George looks certain to be not only the mid-season championship of chasing, but also one of the great international horse races."

King George VI Chase (Kempton, Boxing day) Latest prices (William Hill): 4-1 Barton Bank, 9-2 Merry Gale, 6-1 Sound Man, 7-1 Dublin Flyer, Master Oats, 8-1 Martha's Son, One Man. Others on request.