Kempton chief Clifford delivers positive ground update

The sole Irish runner in the 2022 King George, Envoi Allen is reported to be in fine form ahead of the Christmas highlight. Picture: PA 

The stage is set for a St Stephen's Day spectacular at Kempton, with clerk of the course Barney Clifford anticipating a "sensational" afternoon's racing.

Following a spate of abandoned fixtures during the recent cold snap, a welcome rise in temperatures this week means a full programme is set to go ahead for one of the biggest days in the sport, with 11 meetings scheduled to take place across Britain and Ireland.