"It’s all very exciting" - Two French stars confirmed for King George

Jon Vine

Editor

Last updated: Thu 19 Dec 2024 16:03

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Jon Vine 19 Dec 2024

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Il Est Francais and Juntos Ganamos confirmed for King George VI Chase
Il Est Francais in top form, ready for Kempton challenge
Juntos Ganamos set for UK debut; previously impressive in French races

James Reveley riding Il Est Francais (grey) comfortably win The Ladbrokes Kauto Star Novices' Chase at Kempton Park. (Getty)

Two stars of French National Hunt racing will make the trip to Kempton to contest the 2024 King George VI Chase.

Il Est Francais made the headlines during last year's Christmas Festival at Kempton. Noel George's star comprehensively outjumped his rivals in the Kauto Star Novices' Chase, claiming Grade One glory with a runaway success.

Despite a hiccup at Auteuil in April, Il Est Francais topped the betting when the King George VI Chase market opened up. Noel George's star cascaded down the market after being pulled up on his prep-run in November, but speaking to the press on Thursday, George confirmed that Kempton was still on the agenda.

"The horse is in great form," said George. "Everything has gone swimmingly since his last race and he worked nicely on Tuesday. He’s due to school tomorrow (Friday) but for the time being it looks like we’ll be heading to Kempton and it’s all very exciting."

"There was no underlying problem as to what happened and the horse is in great shape now and in great health. He worked well on Tuesday and all the scopes were clean afterwards.

"We know that he loves Kempton and a fast, flat track on good ground and going righthanded, so we’re looking forward to getting him there."

Joining Il Est Francais on the plane over from France will be Juntos Ganamos, after trainer David Cottin confirmed plans to supplement their star.

Juntos Ganamos ended his first season over fences with an impressive victory in the Prix Ferdinand Dufaure, a Grade One that's only open to four-year-old chasers. Cottin's star hasn't claimed further Grade One glory since, but has collected a trio of Grade Three prizes and did well to finish third in the Prix la Haye Jousselin last month, having tried to keep tabs with Il Est Francais in the early stages.

Cottin enjoyed a Grade Two win in Britain last weekend when Jet Blue powered to victory in the Bristol Novices' Hurdle. Speaking to the press this week, Cottin confirmed that Juntos Ganamos will make his British debut on Boxing Day, and Felix de Giles will travel over for the ride.

"He’s recovered well from his race in the Haye Jousselin and all the lights are green to run." said Cottin. "He lost a lot of ground and ran an exceptional race to get back to challenge up the straight. He's a horse with a huge amount of talent."

"This race has been in his programme for a while which is why he’s only run twice during the autumn. I’ve been waiting a long time to run him somewhere other than Auteuil and he's a horse with a lot of stamina so I can’t wait to see him run."

The full betting for this year's King George VI Chase can be found here on our website...