Harry Cobden to take over on Il Est Francais in King George

Harry Cobden has been booked to partner Il Est Francais for the first time in the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day.

The seven-year-old was a brilliant all-the-way winner of the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase over the course and distance two years ago and looked likely to follow up in the big one last season before being reeled in late by Banbridge.

James Reveley has steered Il Est Francais to all but one of his 10 career victories to date, but connections have opted for a change of rider ahead of his latest big-race assignment.

“Harry Cobden is going to ride him in the King George,” trainer Tom George told the Press Association.

“Since the horse has been in England, Harry has put a lot of work into him. He’s been in riding him quite a bit and knows him from schooling him. It (decision to change rider) is nothing to do with James at all, the horse is based in England now and we’ll see how we go.”

Il Est Francais has struggled to rediscover his best form since his fine effort of 12 months ago and was pulled up on his first start since relocating from France to Britain in last month’s 1965 Chase at Ascot, but George is hoping a return to a happy hunting ground can bring about a resurgence.

He added: “We’ve changed a few things with him and have done a lot of schooling with him, as he was just a bit lacklustre at Ascot.

“He’s been very, very sharp in his schooling. Actually Noel (George, former trainer) rode him this morning and said ‘you can’t do more than you have’. He was very happy with how he felt – he said he feels absolutely brilliant – so we just have to hope everything comes right on a track we know he likes.

“Kempton has lit him up and he is very fresh and sharp now. We just hope we see him back to where he was last year and the year before, that’s all we can say.

“Even though Ascot didn’t go to plan, he’s had a good preparation and it is a fascinating race this year.”