Felix de Giles hoping quarantine gamble pays off for Easysland festival mission

British-born Felix de Giles admits he is taking a risk in missing several key meetings in France in order to team up with Easysland, the red-hot favourite for the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at next week's Cheltenham Festival.

De Giles takes over from Jonathan Plouganou aboard Easysland, who remains on course for the defence of his title despite a false rumour spread on Monday evening by a fake Twitter account purporting to belong to French trainer David Cottin.

De Giles will have to quarantine on arrival in Britain for five days and will then self isolate for a further seven on his return to France in compliance with Covid-19 protocols.

Read how Ireland's jockeys and staff will travel to Cheltenham

"I'm looking forward to it big time," said De Giles. "It was quite a difficult decision because with the quarantine, I'm going to miss two Auteuil meetings and a Compiegne.

"It wasn't an instant decision on my part but it's not every day you get to ride a horse that, on paper, should go away and win. It's a bit of a risk to take but hopefully it will pay off."

Felix de Giles will give up several lucrative meetings in France in order to ride Easysland in his defence of his Cheltenham cross-country crown next weekCredit: Racing Post/Scott Burton

Cottin had originally approached De Giles to partner Ajas in the race, only for the owner, Ulf Sjoberg, to decide against a Cheltenham challenge owing to the ban on connections attending.

The 32-year-old De Giles rode the winners of nearly £1.5 million in prize-money during a truncated 2020 season and currently sits third in the jockeys' standings in France.

De Giles, who could also partner Garo De Juilley for Sophie Leech in the Coral Cup, said: "I had been asked to ride Ajas but at that point we thought the UK regulations would get a lot easier whereas, even since Boris Johnson's speech, the rules have become stricter. I felt Ajas would have been the one to beat Easysland and with him out, it makes sense to come over."

De Giles schooled Easysland last week and reports the seven-year-old in good form, although he admits that only having the one start this year is far from ideal.

"He felt well, although it's difficult to say as I only gave him a pop over a few fences," he said. "He's not had an ideal preparation but on paper I'm confident. If the horse that turned up last year shows up again, it should be a pretty simple race for him, though with cross-country you never know.

"He's got form on soft ground and he stays well so if it rains a lot, I would see that as a plus."

Members can watch Easysland dominate last year's Cross Country Chase

Cottin was forced to counter fears that Easysland would miss out on defending his crown following the tweet from a rogue account which played on concerns over an outbreak of equine herpes virus within the equestrian community in mainland Europe.

Several countries have been forced to cancel events until March 28, though this has not affected racing.

If you want more on the 2021 Cheltenham Festival . . .

Nicky Henderson: Buveur D'Air to miss Champion Hurdle for Aintree

Cheltenham Festival fancy Galvin moves to Ian Ferguson from Gordon Elliott yard

Fergal O'Brien hoping for festival first with 'best chance' Imperial Alcazar

Cheltenham Festival unwrapped: the lowdown on all 28 races and the track

Five strong form lines that could have an impact on the Cheltenham Festival

Cheltenham Festival unwrapped: the lowdown on all 28 races and the track

Cheltenham Festival 2021: essential information for jump racing's biggest week

'It's baffling Bravemansgame's not favourite' – your festival questions answered

Should punters side with the Willie Mullins favourite in the Supreme or not?

The must-watch race each day of the Cheltenham Festival

Sign up to our Cheltenham countdown emails and be the first to read our experts' opinions every week between now and the festival. Don't miss out, sign up now!