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2025 Ryanair Chase

Il est Francais pulled up!

Didn’t appear to be an injury, he seems to struggle when not leading, horse came and took it up on the final circuit and almost looks like he empties.
 
Looked injured to me... hopefully just pulled him out to save him as running poorly. Was a stupid prep imo.
 
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Lobos said:
Looked injured to me... hopefully just pulled him out to save him as running poorly. Was a stupid prep imo.
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Aye I don’t think the way he races 3+ is what he wants.

3m or less is where he’s seen at his best imo.
 
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Lobos said:
Looked injured to me... hopefully just pulled him out to save him as running poorly. Was a stupid prep imo.
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Not really a prep - it's worth much more than the King George and one of their most prestigious races. Just not a horse who is going to appreciate those marathon trips IMO
 
George told Sky Sports Racing: “James just said he cut out and that’s why he pulled him up. There’s no certain reason for it – we’ll do every test we can possibly do and then we’ll make a decision on what the plan is. He’s not lame, so we’ll find a solution.”​

Asked about the King George, he added: “Obviously, it’s not going to be 100 per cent that we’re going to be coming, we’ve just got to make a plan and we’re not going to jump to any conclusions at all.

“There’s no point making a decision now, we’ve got to work out what’s gone on and then make a decision on what we do.”

Nicolas de Lageneste is the co-owner of Il Est Francais and provided an update to France Galop.

“As for Il Est Français, his health problems caught up with him. He had a pulmonary haemorrhage. He is fragile at this level. We will do the necessary care. His jockey James Reveley really respected him and stopped him at the right time,” he said.
​
 
Yosser said:
Sounds like retirement. Wonder if Martin Brassil is paying attention re - King George
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Bleeding that occurs from the lungs, usually after strenuous exercise.

It's worth pointing out this was the first time Il Est Francais had gone beyond 2m6f on very soft (basically our heavy) ground. Obviously he went 3m on 'Good' at Kempton but we all know Kempton is an 'easy' 3m compared with most courses.

Depending on how serious it is, they can come back from it though.

If he does come back I hope they knock these excessive trips on the head with him. I'm not convinced it's what he wants, never have been. His racing style that we saw a Kempton would never in a million years make you believe he wanted 3m 3 1/2f on what was essentially our heavy ground.

If he does make it back and they think he's in good health, he's now a hell of a price still, based on last seasons performance over here.
 
I'd be shocked if they were to run him in the KG now. He'll surely be given a long break now and if he were to target a race at the festival he'd run in either the Ryanair or an outside chance of running in the Queen Mother. Like COD says, knock anything beyond 3m on the head.
 
I'm happy to be on Gaelic Warrior for the King George thanks to Tony Mullins saying he was being trained for it but where do you see him after that race? He is such an enigma this horse. Could he go from 3m back down to 2m or are they thinking that mid trip or more of a staying trip for him? His versatility is a pain in the arse for punters.
 
Great 'problem' to have though for Willie Yosser. He'll just fit in anywhere where it suits . Not so good for punters.
 
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Yosser said:
I'm happy to be on Gaelic Warrior for the King George thanks to Tony Mullins saying he was being trained for it but where do you see him after that race? He is such an enigma this horse. Could he go from 3m back down to 2m or are they thinking that mid trip or more of a staying trip for him? His versatility is a pain in the arse for punters.
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I think he goes Ryanair if Willie thinks the combination of El Fabiolo/Energumene can beat Jonbon.

I think Energumene could easily beat Jonbon in the Clarence House and, if fit, El Fabiolo will have won the 2m Xmas Grade 1 at Leopardstown so there's a strong chance of that happening.

I think if El Fabs/Energumene aren't up to it over 2m, he'll go QMCC - I can't see this situation happening as there's limited competition in Ireland over 2m.
 
Odin said:
I think he goes Ryanair if Willie thinks the combination of El Fabiolo/Energumene can beat Jonbon.

I think Energumene could easily beat Jonbon in the Clarence House and, if fit, El Fabiolo will have won the 2m Xmas Grade 1 at Leopardstown so there's a strong chance of that happening.

I think if El Fabs/Energumene aren't up to it over 2m, he'll go QMCC - I can't see this situation happening as there's limited competition in Ireland over 2m.
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Brave calls imo
You are assuming Energ comes back from setback and at his age is still as good, and the he gets soft ground which imo he needs to beat Jonbon.
And also assuming EF jumps well enough, as he has not on his last two runs.
Personally I would say GW and J are more solid options for the QM right now.
I be would say though, if EF comes out and jumps well I would have him as number 1 for the stable.
In that scenario maybe Energ for this race?
 
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"I'm happy to be on Gaelic Warrior for the King George thanks to Tony Mullins saying he was being trained for it"

Where did you get this from Yosser? Seems odd him coming out with that before connections commented. R4H reckons IET is Willies horse for the race. Very unlikely he'd send two big guns for it imo. He's not done it before.
 
Lobos said:
"I'm happy to be on Gaelic Warrior for the King George thanks to Tony Mullins saying he was being trained for it"

Where did you get this from Yosser? Seems odd him coming out with that before connections commented. R4H reckons IET is Willies horse for the race. Very unlikely he'd send two big guns for it imo. He's not done it before.
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Having spent most of last season backing Gaelic Warrior all over the place for the Festival I’m not sure that logic will play much part this season. If they go for the KG then logic might say the Ryanair due to trip factors but I’m convinced they will revert to 2m and the CC. They went that trip last year. It’s more prestigious. There is a link between Arkle winners and CC. But there I go again bringing logic to bear on the q. !
 
No mention of a Pulmonary Haemorrhage from the trainer today regarding Il Est Francais. "Physically all is well" supposedly, although being sent to the top veterinary clinic in France for a full examination.

Make of that what you will.
 
It was the French trainer that claimed that issue in France gallop last night. George didn’t mention anything like that when I listened to his interview.
 
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