The Case For And Against Il Est Francais In The King George

Last year Noel George and Amdana Zetterholm’s stable star Il Est Francais almost blew away the field in the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day, but the race was subsequently taken away from him in the dying embers by Paul Townend and Banbridge. Now with the father of Noel, Tom George, Il Est Francais will look to go one better in this year's renewal and there are plenty of reasons why he could, or could not be the victor in a few days' time.

In 2024 it was a jumping clinic around Kempton park for Il Est Francais, and being the frontrunner he is, at the second last it looked like he had the race in his hands, that was until he missed a stride at the last fence, leaving the race there for the taking for Paul Townend and Joseph O’Brtien’s Banbridge. The Kemption specialist hasn’t had the best time of things back over in France and in the UK ever since last Boxing Day, but will look to put up a worthy challenge once again this year.

Compared to last year, this is one of the strongest King George lineups for a very long time. Willie Mullins brings arguably two of his best over in Gaelic Warrior and Fact To File, Nicky Henderson Brings Jango Baie, and the likes of Banbridge and The Jukebox Man make up the field of challengers. For Il Est Francais, it will be a very, very hard race to win given last year the race wasn't so stacked with talent, but anything can happen, and at his best, he is hard to beat.

Il Est Francais made his return to the UK racing scene in the 1965 Chase at Ascot, lining up against fellow King George candidate Jango Baie, and it is safe to say things really didn't go to plan. Over the last year, the French monster has built up a reputation of being an odd type, losing races when it is in his hands, and having a lack of class and effort, something which was shown a lot at Ascot. Under James Reveley, he had the race won, but just before the home turn the unimaginable happened, pulling up, with no explanation at all. For a horse with so much talent and class, something wasn't right, but Tom George is certain that things will be rectified for the big one at Kempton.

On his day, he can be the best, he can be hard to beat, and he can put the pressure on like no other. As a very worthy frontrunner, with how the field looks, it is likely that jockey Harry Cobden who has been booked for the ridge will likely have the front all to himself, but it is vital that Cobden does not press go too early, and makes sure he keeps the horse in steady hands. Given everything goes well, it is clear he gets the three miles around Kempoton well, and it is clear he has the class to put up a very worthy challenge, but it is if he is back to his best, and these mysterious faults could be something that is massively detrimental to his King George hopes.

As for winning King George, it will be hard for him. Gaelic Warrior has all the merit to go and blow everyone out of the water, Fact To File could prove to be an out and out three miler, and Jango Baie could win with ease, but for Il Est Francais, it is a race that could be very easily won, but could also be very easily lost.