Thursday’s racing round-up features the news that Il Est Francais will line up in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day…
Noel George has confirmed Il Est Francais will head to Kempton on Boxing Day as he bids to reignite his spark in the King George VI Chase. The six-year-old will be returning to Kempton for the first time since his scintillating performance in the Kauto Star Novices' Chase over the same course and distance on the same card twelve months ago. However, Il Est Francais will now arrive at Kempton with a very different profile as he attempts to bounce back from being pulled up on the second circuit in the Prix la Haye Jousselin at Auteuil last month. George, who trains the highly-talented son of Karaktar in partnership with Amanda Zetterholm, confirmed the horse's participation following a pleasing piece of work earlier in the week.
Kieran Shoemark notched a first career century when steering the well-backed Michael Keady-trained Currumbin to victory in the Build Your Acca With BetUK Handicap at Southwell on Thursday. Despite missing the break, victory never looked in doubt for the 9/4 favourite, who pulled away nicely to score by four-and-a-half lengths from Sophosc. Reflecting on the landmark achievement, Shoemark said on Sky Sports Racing: "I'm thrilled, it's been a bit of a target for a while now and I'm delighted for Michael. Without a doubt Friendly Soul winning the Prix de l'Opera was the highlight of my year and I've been very lucky to ride some good horses." The success also gave Michael Keady, who used to train in partnership with Mike Murphy in Bedfordshire his first success since going solo.
Sine Nomine looks set to contest the Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase at Wetherby after falling on her seasonal reappearance in Listed company at Market Rasen last month. A winner of last year's St. James's Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase at Cheltenham in March, the Fiona Needham-trained eight-year-old will now head to the West Yorkshire venue before her handler makes a decision on whether she returns to the Hunter Chase scene.
