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It was first run in February 1937 and was named in honour of the new monarch, King George VI . The race did not immediately earn the prestige it has today. It was only run twice before World War II , during which Kempton Park was closed for racing and used as a Prisoner-of-war Camp . The pre-war races only attracted four runners each - the winner of the first, Southern Hero, remains the oldest ever winner of the race. After the war the course re-opened and the race returned in 1947 on a new date - Boxing Day. When it was won the following year by Cottage Rake , a Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, the race rose in stature and in 1949 it was televised for the first time. It has since become the second best Chase of the season, after the Cheltenham Gold Cup. One of the most famous and popular winners of this race was Desert Orchid , who won it a record four times. Triple Cheltenham Gold Cup winners Arkle and Best Mate both also won this race, and in 2004 and 2005 the race was won by Kicking King . 1937-1949 1950-1999
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