Harry Cobden is set to ride Ile Est Français for the first time in the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day. The seven-year-old horse made a strong impression by winning the Cout Star Novice Chase at the same course and distance two years ago. Last season, Ile Est Français looked poised to succeed in this major race but was narrowly beaten by Banbridge in the final stages.
Although James Reverie has been the jockey for nine of Ile Est Français’ ten career victories, officials have decided to bring in a new rider for this significant event. Trainer Tom George told the Press Association, “Harry Cobden will be riding in the King George. Harry has been heavily involved with the horse since its arrival in the UK and knows him well. This change is not a reflection on James. The horse is now based in England, so we’ll see how it goes.”
Since a strong performance last year, Ile Est Français has struggled to find his top form. He was pulled up during the 1965 Chase at Ascot last month, marking his first race since relocating from France to England. However, George remains optimistic that returning to Kempton will help the horse rebound. He explained, “The horse seemed a bit off at Ascot, so we’ve made some adjustments and done a lot of training with him. He’s been very sharp in training, and even Noel George (a former trainer) praised how good he’s feeling now.”
George added, “Kempton has reinvigorated him — he’s fresh, sharp, and we hope he can return to his form from last year and the year before. Even if Ascot didn’t go as planned, he’s prepared well, and this is shaping up to be a competitive race.”
Fan Take: This jockey switch and fresh training approach inject excitement and hope for Ile Est Français fans, signaling a potential comeback for a talented horse. For horse racing enthusiasts, it underscores how strategic changes can impact performance and add drama to top-tier races like the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase.
