'Stuff of dreams' for Paul Townend and Joseph O'Brien as Banbridge reels in Il Est Francais for super King George success

This year's Ladbrokes King George VI Chase was less a race and more of a magic trick – and Paul Townend is some magician. 

With racing's spiritual Christmas home still abuzz following Constitution Hill's sparkling comeback, a crowd of almost 14,000 expectant racegoers was treated to a contest that proved utterly absorbing from start to finish.

In becoming the third Irish-trained winner in the last four runnings, Banbridge ruthlessly broke French hearts, in the process denying Il Est Francais a famous success.

James Reveley set out to make all aboard the flamboyant front-running raider, who for much of the race appeared poised to humiliate a top-class line-up. Yet deep in the peloton, Townend was conjuring.

Racing down the back for the second time, he eased his way down the outside. From having only two behind him at the top turn, he came into the home straight aboard Banbridge in much better shape albeit a still-distant second.

From there it was heart-in-mouth stuff. Would the gap close quickly enough before they ran out of track? And then in a moment that lasted all of the two strides going into the last, the race was flipped on its head. One rider sat up and went short, the other threw his mount at it and on the run to the line the horse who led over all 18 fences was now being gobbled up by the preeminent big-race magician of his era.

Trainer Joseph O’Brien described it as a "dream come true" after landing the £260,000 contest, but quickly praised owner Ronnie Bartlett for his forward thinking after a plan "was set out following Banbridge’s Champion Chase victory at the Punchestown festival in April".

More on the King George:

• How the King George was won and lost as Il Est Francais dominance gives way to flying Banbridge 
• Banbridge could be a Gold Cup player - plus how high did Constitution Hill rate on his return? 
• Banbridge catches Il Est Francais after Constitution Hill's sensational return - King George day as it happened

He said: "After Punchestown last year, Ronnie said we should have a go at the King George. We made that plan and we prepared for it. We had two runs and he was jumping sharp and travelling well. We felt he was ready to run his legs off and I'm very proud of him and the team at home.

"It’s really special. I grew up watching races like this. To even have a runner in the race was great, but to win it is a dream come true.

Paul Townend and Banbridge return to the Kempton winner's enclosureCredit: Edward Whitaker

"I thought Il Est Francais was gone turning for home, but our horse made a sustained run all the way to the line and his resolution and stamina was tested, but he had enough for today."

Townend was riding Banbridge for only the second time due to JJ Slevin being at Leopardstown for his retainers Sean and Bernardine Mulryan.

O’Brien added: "To win a King George is the stuff of dreams. I feel a bit sorry for JJ, who has a great association with the horse and was meant to come and ride him today."

Although Il Est Francais had a healthy lead approaching the third-last, Townend was confident his mount had the ability to close the gap and get his head in front.

He said: "My hands were tied where I was, but I knew I had the right ones in front of me and the leader had them out of their comfort zone a long way from home, so I knew he had to be going a good gallop.

Paul Townend and Joseph O'Brien with the King George TrophyCredit: Edward Whitaker

"Thankfully we had company to bring us close enough to the horse in front, we got competitive with him and then pinged the last. 

"It's a tricky fence. I missed it last year on Allaho and it's so close to the line that I never got going again. I was conscious of that, but you need luck in these races.”

Connections of Il Est Francais were upbeat despite his narrow defeat and could open up discussions about heading to Cheltenham in the spring.

Joint-trainer Noel George said: "We know he loves it here and we’ll watch the replay and discuss with the owner what the plans are, but you’d be excited to come back here next year anyway.

"He could even run in the Champion Chase, I don’t think he’d be out of place, but I’ve got to watch the replay and discuss it with everyone. It's an exciting problem to have."

The Champion Chase has been raised as a possible next target for gallant King George runner-up Il Est FrancaisCredit: Alan Crowhurst

George added: "We wore our heart on our sleeve anyway, we didn’t complicate things and it seemed to have paid off. Obviously you’d like to win, but he’s run a cracker and it’s great to get him back."

Charlie Deutsch, who finished third on board L’Homme Presse, expressed his pride at how the Venetia Williams-trained nine-year-old performed.

He said: "It was a brilliant run. They went at a scalding pace and we were flat out but not uncomfortable. He jumped beautifully the whole way and he ran to the line. 

"I thought turning in they’d stop and I’d get him, but they picked up and had another gear. We kept galloping but he was class and it was a brilliant job by everyone to get him here."

Cheltenham Gold Cup (March 14)
Paddy Power: 5-2 Galopin Des Champs, Fact To File, 16 Gerri Colombe, 20 Monty's Star, 33 bar inc Banbridge.

Read this next:

'He’s back where he belongs' - Constitution Hill back to his thrilling best as superstar hurdler downs Lossiemouth 

Banbridge could be a Gold Cup player - plus how high did Constitution Hill rate on his return? 

How the King George was won and lost as Il Est Francais dominance gives way to flying Banbridge 

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