Il Est Francais, the talented seven-year-old who gave a solid showing as the runner-up in the King George VI Chase, has been withdrawn from the prestigious Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup during the latest forfeit stage on Tuesday, February 4. The decision by connections Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm leaves this promising steed in two other notable races: the Ryanair Chase and the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase, allowing the horse other competitive options at the Cheltenham Festival.
The plot thickens as the field for the Gold Cup slightly narrows. Hopes were already sky high with Galopin Des Champs labeled as the hot favourite. However, master trainer Willie Mullins has also culled stablemates Embassy Gardens and Minella Cocooner, while the unfortunate Gerri Colombe, poised for a robust showing, bows gracefully out due to injury issues under the watchful eye of trainer Gordon Elliott.
In a domino effect, Grey Dawning finds himself solely tied to the Gold Cup for this joyous festival. He was extracted from the Ryanair Chase, joining the ranks of Ahoy Senor, Embassy Gardens, Il Ridoto, Martator, and Stage Star, all no longer in contention for the Ryanair race.
Shifting focus to the Queen Mother Champion Chase, a flurry of activity has seen notable names like American Mike, Blue Lord, Boothill, Gentleman De Mee, Kalif Du Berlais, and Martator trimmed from the competitive roll call.
As fans and punters bustle with anticipation, key odds have been released. For the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Galopin Des Champs continues to reign supreme at 8/15. Fact To File trails at 9/2, closely followed by Banbridge at 7 and Corbetts Cross at 11. The lineup rounds off with notable contenders like Monty’s Star, Grangeclare West, and Grey Dawning, among others.
Intrigue spills over to the Ryanair Chase. With Il Est Francais as a notable contender at 4, the race sees promising picks like Fact To File leading at 6/4, alongside Gaelic Warrior at 3, and Banbridge at 4. The list extends to Energumene, Protektorat, and others, sparking vigorous discussions in racing circles about potential outcomes.
For the Queen Mother Champion Chase, Jonbon claims top dog status with odds set at 5/6. Il Est Francais remains a strong contender here too, holding his ground at 4. Gaelic Warrior and Banbridge, among other racers, add depth to this challenge.
The Cheltenham Festival, where titans of racing meet in grand displays of grace and tenacity, promises yet another unforgettable chapter this year. The line-up revisions inject an unpredictable edge, leaving the racing community eager to witness who will ultimately thunder down the stretch and etch their names into the annals of racing history.
