A run at the Cheltenham Festival is a possibility for Il Est Francais later this year, as Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm’s star chaser prepares to make his return in the Prix Richard et Robert Hennessy on Saturday.
This Auteuil event marks the first step on his journey back to Kempton at Christmas, where the six-year-old will aim to replicate his Kauto Star Novices’ Chase success in the prestigious King George VI Chase.
Currently among the favourites for the Boxing Day Grade One, King George remains a top priority for the early part of the season, alongside a significant event on home turf. Depending on how he performs at Kempton, George is also keen to consider a trip to Prestbury Park next March for the Festival.
George told Sky Sports Racing: "He’s still a young horse and continues to improve. We’re planning to run on Saturday, followed by the big Grade One at Auteuil on the second weekend of November, and then we’ll head across the channel for the King George."
"What happens after that will depend on his performance, but this is definitely his comeback race, and we’re targeting those two major Grade Ones. It’s the same timeline as last year and the same day he won before his Kauto Star victory—essentially the same route, just in open company."
"He’s ready to run and in great shape for his comeback. He’s the class horse in the field, and we believe that should be enough to secure a win, with further improvement to come. While he disappointed in the spring, his time in the field means we’re looking forward to a very exciting campaign in both France and England. There was a lot of hype after Kempton last year, but we need to see how King George goes first. If that goes well, a trip to the Festival could be very much on the cards."