Banbridge denies gallant Il Est Francais in King George thriller
Banbridge came from the clouds to snatch the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase from Il Est Francais.
The French raider, trained by Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm, had put in a spectacular display of jumping under James Reveley and turning into straight had extended his lead back out to around 10 lengths.
However, Paul Townend on the Joseph O’Brien-trained Banbridge (7-1) was working up a real head of steam and was making ground hand over fist on the exuberant front-runner, who had been so spectacular on this card 12 months ago.
Beginning to tire, Il Est Francais got in too tight to the last, handing Banbridge a chance and when he met it on a long stride, he landed with all the momentum and went on to win by a length and three-quarters.
Given the way the race was run with Il Est Francais putting them to the sword from some way out, some very good horses never got involved.
The likes of Spillane’s Tower, Envoi Allen and Grey Dawning, who made an early blunder, were never at the races.
It was L’Homme Presse, having his first run of the season, who fared best of the rest in third with The Real Whacker justifying the decision to supplement him by finishing fourth for a second successive year.
O’Brien said: “It’s a special win. I’m delighted for Ronnie (Bartlett, owner) and the team. He’s been a special horse for us over the last number of years.
“To win a race like the King George is dream stuff, although I feel a bit sorry for J J (Slevin, regular jockey who was riding in Ireland) who has a great association with the horse but wasn’t able to come and ride him today. Paul gave him a great ride. It’s a very special day.
“Kempton is a flat track and over this distance speed is emphasised more than at other places. Paul was happy to find a nice rhythm and the race panned out well for him.
“I actually thought Il Est Francais was gone turning for home but our horse made a sustained run all the way to the line. His resolution and stamina was tested, but he had enough for today.
“It’s really special, I grew up watching it, to have a runner is special but the winner is a dream come true.
“We’ll enjoy today, see how he pulls up and discuss plans and see what we’d all like to do.”
He added: “After Punchestown Ronnie rang me and said he’d like to have a go at the King George, we made a plan to have two runs over two miles to sharpen his jumping, we had the headgear back on and we felt he was ready to run his legs off.”
Bartlett said: “We made a plan in the autumn and we always thought he needed further.
“Joseph said how do you feel about Kempton and I said ‘love it’. We ran him a couple of times at two miles, just because you have to be sharp here don’t you?
“The horse was healthy and in great order and the rest is history now. Good ground makes all the difference with this horse, if it’s not good ground or good to soft you are wasting your time.
“He’s entitled to a Gold Cup entry now and he will have an entry and we will wait and see. If not there, there is the Ryanair or Aintree.
“After last year when he won the two-mile race at Punchestown we were wondering where we go next, but I do think he is comfortable over further.
“This is probably my best day as an owner so far. It’s a special race and I’ve watched it many times when I was younger. To have been there and now done it and won it is fantastic.”