Cheltenham Festival 2025 News: Il Est Francais Primed to Make More History in the Ryanair Chase

When Il Est Francais stormed to success in the G1 Kauto Star at Kempton on Boxing Day in 2023, there was always hope that we would see the French raider embark on a journey to Cheltenham.

Those dreams will be answered in 2025, as trainer Noel George has indicated that the King George runner-up is '90% likely' to take his chance in this year's Ryanair Chase.

The comments have seen the seven-year-old cut to a 3/1 chance for the race next Thursday, and his preferred front-running tactics will make him a leading chance.

Despite having the option to run in the Champion Chase, connections believe that ground conditions ensure that the Ryanair is the best option for the French raider.

His running style has been a proven tactic in the Ryanair in recent years, with Un De Sceaux, Allaho, and Vautour all winning following positive rides.

His run style was something George spoke about after Il Est Francais' final piece of work before travelling to Cheltenham. Speaking to the Racing Post, the trainer said: "I’ve been through all the stats and horses that have been ridden aggressively and have gone from the front have a great record.”

Il Est Francais certainly boasts among the best pieces of form in the Ryanair this year based on his previous two efforts in Britain.

The seven-year-old was at his dominant best in December 2023 when jumping like a stag around Kempton in the Kauto Star, beating Hermes Allen by eleven lengths.

He almost repeated the feat when racing from the front in the King George on Boxing Day, before eventually being caught by Gold Cup hope Banbridge in the final strides.

Il Est Francais will be one of two runners for the George and Zetterholm partnership at Cheltenham next week, with Stencil among the market leaders for the Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap on Tuesday.