King George VI Chase: Il Est Francais Flops Badly in France

Il Est Francais has been pushed out in the ante-post market for the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day after running poorly in France.

He is now rated as a 10/1 shot on horse racing betting sites for the big festive race and may not travel to England if connections feel he is not fit enough to do himself justice.

Read on as we look at how online bookmakers have reacted to the hugely disappointing performance.

Il Est Francais was the favourite on betting apps to win the Prix La Haye Jousselin at Auteuil, but was pulled up by jockey James Reveley on the final circuit.

Reveley said the six-year-old was going well until the second time over the water jump in the back straight, but then quickly ran out of gas.

Joint-trainer Noel George confirmed the horse would be fully examined to determine what happened and he may not be sent to the King George.

The Willie Mullins-trained Gaelic Warrior is the new 5/2 favourite on UK betting sites. He is scheduled to make his seasonal reappearance at Punchestown next weekend.

The six-year-old was a brilliant winner of the Arkle Novices’ Chase last season, but could be stepped in distance for a crack at the King George over the festive period.

Mullins recently described Gaelic Warrior as an ‘extraordinary horse’ and believes he has the talent to shine over the three-mile trip at Kempton.

King George VI Chase – Latest Betting (Fitzdares)

• Gaelic Warrior – 5/2
• Galopin Des Champs – 8/1
• Grey Dawning – 8/1
• Il Etait Temps – 8/1
• Il Est Francais – 10/1
• Envoi Allen – 10/1
• Found A Fifty – 10/1
• Grangeclare West – 12/1
• Hewick – 12/1
• Corbetts Cross – 12/1
• L’Homme Presse – 14/1
• Bravemansgame – 16/1
• Ahoy Senor – 16/1
• Banbridge – 16/1
• Minella Cocooner – 25/1
• Protektorat – 25/1
• Jungle Boogie – 33/1
• Blue Lord – 33/1
• Capodanno – 33/1
• Royal Pagaille – 33/1
• Ginnys Destiny – 33/1
• Ferny Hollow – 50/1
• Ga Law – 66/1
• General En Chef – 66/1