Joseph O’Brien landed his biggest win over jumps when he added the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase to his glittering CV.

Since retiring from a highly successful career as a Flat jockey when he was four-time champion of Ireland and won the Epsom Derby, the 31-year-old has continued to enjoy big race success as a trainer.

On the Flat he has won Group 1 races at home and all over the , including at the Breeders’ Cup, and won the Melbourne Cup twice.

Unlike his legendary father Aidan, who gave up training jumpers after the retirement of triple Champion Hurdle winner Istabraq, Joseph has continued to train a powerful squad of jumpers who have brought him honours.

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He can add the King George trophy to his cabinet after Banbridge hunted down the frontrunning French horse Il Est Francais to claim the £250,000 race under Paul Townend.

Banbridge only collared Il Est Francais after jumping the last fence to go on to win by a length and three quarters.

O’Brien said: “It’s a special win. To win a race like the King George is dream stuff, although I feel a bit sorry for J J (Slevin, regular jockey who was riding in Ireland) who has a great association with the horse but wasn’t able to come and ride him today. Paul gave him a great ride.”

He went on: “Kempton is a flat track and, over this distance, speed is emphasised more than at other places. Paul was happy to find a nice rhythm and the race panned out well for him.

“I actually thought Il Est Francais was gone turning for home but our horse made a sustained run all the way to the line. His resolution and stamina was tested, but he had enough for today.”

Victory on his first attempt at 3m has put Banbridge into contention for a possible tilt at the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Owner Ronnie Bartlett said: “He’s entitled to a Gold Cup entry now and he will have an entry and we will wait and see. If not there, there is the Ryanair or Aintree.

“After last year when he won the two-mile race at Punchestown we were wondering where we go next, but I do think he is comfortable over further.

“This is probably my best day as an owner so far. It’s a special race and I’ve watched it many times when I was younger. To have been there and now done it and won it is fantastic.”

Il Est Francais could head to either the Queen Mother Champion Chase or Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham, according to trainer Noel George.