'He seems better on a flat track' - Il Est Francais team to consider Sandown or Punchestown for next outing

Noel George believes the brilliance of Fact To File contributed to Il Est Francais finishing a tired sixth in Thursday's Ryanair Chase, and said the seven-year-old had not suffered any repeat of the physical ailments which had compromised performances on occasion at Auteuil. 

Il Est Francais was 100-30 second favourite but, having taken up the running on the turn away from the stands on the final circuit, was unable to put Fact To File under the same pressure as the bold front-runner usually inflicts on rivals.

"James [Reveley] had him in a nice position and then he let him bowl on like he likes to do," said George. "He was jumping a little bit right, so that could potentially be an excuse.