Last season’s Kempton King George VI Chase runner-up Il Est Francais will be moving stables ahead of the new jumps campaign – with options in France drying up for the classy 7 year-old chaser.
Il Est Francais Moves To The Tom George Yard In Gloucestershire
After talking to Nick Luck on the ‘Nick Luck Daily Podcast‘, trainer Tom George has revealed that the 2024 King George runner-up Il Est Francais will be based at his Slad Valley yard in Gloucestershire for the coming National Hunt season – moving from France.
Having been with the powerful Noel George & Amanda Zetterholm team, who are based at Avilly-Saint-Léonard just outside Chantilly – Il Est Francais will make the switch to the UK.
Tom George is Noel George’s father and very much involved with their operation in France.
With horses going back and forth to each yard and many of the big names in France coming to the UK (and George Snr’s yard) for summer breaks.
Options For Il Est Francais Drying Up In France
With connection saying that options for their star chaser are drying up in France.
Tom George said “As we all know he’s (Il Est Francais) done unbelievable in France with Noel and Amanda and came to England recently for his summer holidays.”
“He spent a good couple of months here and has done really well with some light work and is now back in full training.”
“There are no concrete plans that have been made for what happens next but one thing I will say is we all always do what’s best for each individual horse” Tom George added.
Il Est Francais is currently 20/1 with the horse racing betting sites for the 2025 King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day – as he bids to go one place better than last year.
Since that King George run, he ran below-par in the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. When only 6th to Fact To File and beaten 26 lengths.
He’s since bounced back in France – winning the Prix du Mont Pilat (Conditions Hurdle) at Lyon Parilly.
But was last seen losing as an odds-on favourite at Compiegne in May, when third to the Nicky Henderson-trained Aston Martini.
WATCH: Il Est Francais Running Second To Banbridge In The 2024 King George VI Chase at Kempton
What Benefit Will Il Est Francais Have Being Trained In Britain? Asked Nick Luck
When pressing Tom George more on the Il Est Francais stable move – Nick Luck asked what benefit the switch will have on the horse?
With Tom George saying.
“Noel and Amanda have done very well and won an enormous amount of money with the him, and done it incredibly well.”
“But I think the races are slightly running out for him in France and I’m not sure at this stage of his career he needs to be going around Auteuil on very heavy ground and there are not many races at Compiegne.”
“So, we are starting to run out of options for him. He does have a preference for going right-handed, which is another thing as both these tracks in France are left-handed. It’s not essential he goes that way but does prefer it that way.”
A Change Of Training and Scenery Might Help
“I think the change of training has maybe helped him. He has got used to going up the hills here and the change of scenery and different style of training might help him.”
“The vets in both England and France are talking all the time and doing a lot of work with him. Plus, the farriers, physios and, of course, Noel and Amanda and myself – it’s very much a team effort.”
“We are all meeting with the owners to talk about the season program.”
“Obviously we know how much he enjoys Kempton and the King George is probably his target again. But obviously there’s still a long way to go and get him there. He’s overcome some issues, and we’ll start building him up.”
Il Est Francais Expected To Return In November
When pressed about a return – Tom George said.
“We couldn’t be happier with the way he is – he’s in great shape.”
“We think he’ll be ready to go in November, one way or another.”
“He’s where you’d expect him to be at this stage and will be ready for a November comeback.”
Il Est Francais Career In Numbers
- Age: 7
- Runs: 19
- Wins: 10
- Chase Runs: 8
- Chase Wins: 4
- Biggest Win: Grade One Kauto Star Novices’ Chase (26th Dec, 2023) – watch below
- Career Prize Money: £517,011
Tom George is yet to win the King George VI Chase at Kempton – the big Boxing Day festive feature.
But he has done well over the years in the Coral Trophy Handicap Chase at Kempton. Or the old Racing Post Chase to some still.
George has won this prize three times since 2009. Twice with Nacarat (2009 and 2012) and more recently with Clondaw Castle (2021).
