Noel George excited for next challenge with 'very special' Il Est Francais set for Auteuil return on Saturday
![Il Est Francais: returns this weekend](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fs3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com%2Fprod-media-racingpost%2Fprod%2Fimages%2F169_1008%2Fb9edcef4908d-ilestfrancais1.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Noel George is counting down the days to the return of the "very special" Il Est Francais, who will make his first appearance on Saturday since wowing the Boxing Day crowds at Kempton in the Ladbrokes Kauto Star Novices' Chase.
George is banking on the "intelligence and talent" of Il Est Francais as he switches from a successful first attempt over British fences to the very different jumping test of Auteuil in the Prix Murat, a key trial for next month's Grade 1 Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris, France's version of the Gold Cup.
Il Est Francais is unbeaten in two outings over fences at Auteuil but will be tackling the outer course for the first time, meaning he will have to negotiate the biggest obstacle on the track – the Rail, Ditch and Fence or 'Juge de Paix' – for the first time.
Read the full story
Read award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, with exclusive news, interviews, columns, investigations, stable tours and subscriber-only emails.
Subscribe to unlock
- Racing Post digital newspaper (worth over £100 per month)
- Award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing
- Expert tips from the likes of Tom Segal and Paul Kealy
- Replays and results analysis from all UK and Irish racecourses
- Form study tools including the Pro Card and Horse Tracker
- Extensive archive of statistics covering horses, trainers, jockeys, owners, pedigree and sales data
Already a subscriber?Log in
Published on inFrance
Last updated
- Christophe Soumillon heading to Ascot for King George ride on French dark horse
- 'It's great to have a jockey carry the Olympic flame' - Chantilly plays host to torch relay days before opening ceremony
- Look De Vega hardens as Arc favourite with connections looking to traditional prep run on Trials day
- 'He had all the attributes of one of the sport's great champions' - trainers pay tribute to Gerald Mosse
- 'For the last time, travel well Gerald' - Mosse out of luck on final ride but retires from the saddle with a smile on his face
- Christophe Soumillon heading to Ascot for King George ride on French dark horse
- 'It's great to have a jockey carry the Olympic flame' - Chantilly plays host to torch relay days before opening ceremony
- Look De Vega hardens as Arc favourite with connections looking to traditional prep run on Trials day
- 'He had all the attributes of one of the sport's great champions' - trainers pay tribute to Gerald Mosse
- 'For the last time, travel well Gerald' - Mosse out of luck on final ride but retires from the saddle with a smile on his face