‘ONE of the most high profile horses in racing’ has switched yards and is set to target the blockbuster King George Chase on Boxing Day.
Il Est Francais looked a world-beater when he won the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices’ Chase in 2023.
GettyIl Est Francais looked like he had won the King George last year until he was mowed down late by Banbridge[/caption]
But things haven’t quite gone to plan since for the awesome seven-year-old.
Expertly handed by Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm in France, Il Est Francais raced three more times with figures of 5-1-PU before returning to Kempton last Christmas.
There he looked for all the world the King George winner until he was nutted late on by Banbridge.
Then in the Ryanair he was thrashed 26 lengths by Fact To File before ending his season finishing third in a Listed hurdle contest at Compiegne having been sent off 3-5 favourite.
Sun Racing columnist Matt Chapman suggested earlier this year that the horse could benefit from a change of scenery in a bid to revive his career.
And, according to the Nick Luck podcast, that is exactly what has happened – although it may not be permanent.
Il Est Francais is now with Noel’s dad Tom at his Down Farm base in Slad Valley, Gloucestershire – a 30-minute drive from Cheltenham.
All three – Tom, Noel and Amanda – are working together and talking every day plotting a path for the sensational chaser’s season ahead.
And while it has not yet been decided whether he will remain where he is or return to France, the King George is once again one of his targets.
Il Est Francais is being prepared for a return to the racecourse in November.
That would give him one outing before the huge Grade 1 on Boxing Day.
He is in full training and said to be loving his new yard – although whether he remains there is still open to debate.
Tom said on the podcast: “He is in full training here but there are no concrete plans with what happens next.
“So many of Noel and Amanda’s horses come here for breaks and holidays.
“We’re doing what is best for each individual horse.
“Races are probably slightly running out for him in France, he started running out of options.
“I’m not sure he needs to be going round Auteuil on very heavy ground and there are not many races at Compiegne
“He has a preference for going right-handed – both those tracks in France are left-handed – and while I don’t think it’s essential he definitely prefers it that way.
“I think the change of training has helped him and having a bit of a break.
“We know how much he enjoys Kempton and that is probably his target but there’s a long way to go to get him there.
“We couldn’t be happier the way he is.
“Whether he’s running in France or England hasn’t been decided yet but he’s in great shape.”
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