"Decision pending on whether Il Est Francais will continue with trainer Tom George or rejoin his son Noel in France, with the equine athlete's owner emphasizing unity"
In the racing world, the names of Il Est Francais and Noel George, joint-trainers with Amanda Zetterholm, have been making waves this season. The seven-year-old horse, co-owned by Nicolas de Lageneste (French breeder) and Richard and Lizzie Kelvin-Hughes (British-based), has been a flagship horse for the partnership, contributing significantly to their rapid success in the racing industry.
Recently, Il Est Francais bounced back at Kempton, just five weeks after facing issues at Auteuil. However, the future of this champion horse remains uncertain, as no decision has been made regarding his training location or racing schedule before the King George VI Chase.
Il Est Francais, who won the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices' Chase at Kempton in 2023 and finished second in the King George VI Chase the following season, has been on a summer break at Trull House Stud, owned by Richard and Lizzie Kelvin-Hughes. In the past, the horse has faced issues with broken blood vessels on a couple of occasions at Auteuil.
Meanwhile, Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm have made a fine start to the autumn season in Paris, saddling eight winners from their first 20 runners at Auteuil and Compiegne this month. Their success extends beyond Paris, as they have passed €2.1 million in win and place prize-money for the year.
The BHA program has seen some changes, including limiting those eligible for Grade 1 novice and juvenile races. This development could potentially impact Il Est Francais's racing schedule, but no official decision has been made regarding his future in Great Britain or the continuation of his training in France.
Nicky Henderson is preparing to welcome Nico de Boinville back to the saddle, as the stable jockey has been cleared to ride after an injury. This news is a boost for the racing community, as de Boinville has been a key figure in many successful races.
In a separate development, Colm Murphy paid tribute to Brave Inca after the death of the Champion Hurdle hero at the age of 27. Brave Inca's legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of racing fans, and his memory serves as a reminder of the passion and excitement that the sport brings.
One horse that favored going that way round at Auteuil is L'Autonomie, a French Champion Hurdle winner. This example highlights the unique challenges and opportunities that each racecourse presents to the horses and trainers.
As the racing season progresses, the racing community eagerly awaits updates on Il Est Francais's future and his potential return to the King George VI Chase. Noel George has expressed optimism about the horse's upcoming racing season, with the main target being the King George VI Chase. However, whether Il Est Francais will continue his career in Britain or remain in France remains to be seen.
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