All sights set on return to Kempton on Boxing Day.
As Il Est Francais gets ready to return later this month, Noel George can't help but think of the King George VI Chase.
The great chaser, who George trains with Amanda Zetterholm, dominated Kempton's Boxing Day last year, winning the Kauto great Novices' Chase with a stunning round of leaping under James Reveley's command.
An initial goal for 2024 was to return to the Sunbury site for their Christmas highlight. Despite missing the French Gold Cup and being well-received in his lone subsequent appearance, connections haven't let this stop them.
🇫🇷 Well worth another watch in full
Il Est Francais' staggering performance in the Kauto Star Novices' Chase 👇🏻 pic.twitter.com/N6FFgmlQ4x
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) December 26, 2023
The six-year-old, owned by Richard Kelvin-Hughes and Haras De Saint-Voir, is winning races for his Chantilly-based training team in preparation for his seasonal comeback, which could occur on September 28 at Auteuil in the Prix Richard et Robert Hennessy, a race that Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero's Geskille won a year ago.
The result of that seasonal bow will decide whether Il Est Francais stays on the continent to finish King George's preparations, or whether British racing fans get an early look at him on UK soil.
"He's in great shape and he's getting fitter every day," stated George.
"We can choose to run him on September 28 as he is close to making his recovery.
"King George is our first goal, and I believe that race will determine whether we follow the French plan to prepare for Kempton or travel to England to prepare for a race beforehand.
"We're eager to get the horse back on track, but he's in excellent form and will advise us what to do. Everything is very exciting, and we'll decide what to do next after seeing how his comeback race plays out."
He continued: "We've got a few other nice horses to potentially bring over to the UK throughout the winter as well, but we are all looking forward to the King George with Il Est Francais."
With the thrilling, Cheltenham Festival-winning track Fact To File by Willie Mullins, Il Est Francais is currently challenging King George's favoritism.
