Il Est Francais Primed for King George VI Chase Redemption at Kempton

Noel George is confident that a return to Kempton Park will reignite Il Est Francais’s form in the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase.

The six-year-old dazzled at the track last year with a dominant victory in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase, but he arrives at this year’s Boxing Day showpiece needing to bounce back after being pulled up in his last outing at Auteuil.

Despite this setback, Il Est Francais has seen notable support in the betting markets, with bookmakers pricing him at 6-1. Joint-trainer George confirmed his participation after a strong workout earlier this week.

“The plan is very much for him to come over,” George said. “He worked well on Tuesday and scoped clean afterwards. He’s due to school on Friday, and he’s in great form.”

“He burst a blood vessel last time, which can happen. Since then, he’s been working well, and everything is clean now. He loves Kempton—he was very impressive there last year. A flat track and good ground suit him perfectly, and it’s very exciting.”

George, who trains Il Est Francais alongside Amanda Zetterholm, is optimistic about their chances in what he sees as an open field.

“On track form, I think we’re the standout horse. If he can reproduce last year’s performance, we have a winning chance,” George added. “The King George is the highlight of the Christmas racing calendar, and going there with a live chance is thrilling.”

Il Est Francais will not be the George-Zetterholm yard’s sole representative, as General En Chef, a 100-1 shot, will also take his place in the line-up.

General En Chef, third in last season’s French Gold Cup, made his British debut last month with a creditable fourth-place finish in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury. George believes the King George’s conditions will better suit the seven-year-old.

“For his first run over British fences in a competitive handicap, he ran very well at Newbury,” George noted. “Kempton’s easier finish and a more patient ride should suit him. He adapted well to the fences, and I’m putting the hood back on, which I think will help him stay in the race better.”

“He’s a strong traveller in his races, and I think he can outrun his odds. He has a genuine chance of placing.”

Dan Skelton’s Grey Dawning, runner-up in the Betfair Chase, heads the betting for the King George at 7-2, but George is optimistic his horses can make a big impression in the Christmas showpiece.