National Hunt fans are in for a treat this coming weekend, with Graded fare on offer from Ascot, Haydock, and Punchestown as well. The pick of the Berkshire action arrives on Saturday afternoon, with the Grade 2 duo of the 1965 Chase and the Ascot Hurdle. The latter contest has attracted a big field, but the former looks like the more intriguing contest to our eyes.
First run in 1981, the “1965” of the race title is a nod to the year in which jumps racing made its debut at Ascot. The brilliant three-time King George VI Chase winner Wayward Lad claimed the inaugural edition, and the standard has remained high since. Albertas Run, Master Minded, Vautour and Politologue all feature on the more recent roll of honour.
With the runners and riders confirmed, just the five remain in contention. However, that includes a horse who has been there and got the 1965 Chase t-shirt, an ex-French superstar, and one of the heroes of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival.
Il Est Francais the One to Beat on Ratings
Initially based in France, the aptly named Il Est Francais made the switch to the Gloucester operation of Tom George in 2022. One year later, he headed back to France to join Tom’s son, Noel George and his training partner, Amanda Zetterholm. Ahead of the current campaign, Britain beckoned once more for the Channel-hopping star, who will remain with Tom George for the 2025/26 campaign.
Wherever he has been based, Il Est Francais has performed with distinction. While not always the most consistent, he was arguably the most talented chaser in France when at his best. A Grade 1 winner over hurdles, his peak chase effort came at Kempton in December 2023, when slamming the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase field by 11 lengths.
Back at the Christmas Meeting in 2024, he made a bold bid from the front in the King George, only to be run down late by Banbridge. Now up to a mark of 165, he’s 3lb and more ahead of his four rivals. Significantly, the conditions of this race see him receive 6lb from Pic D’orhy and Master Chewy, and 3lb from Jango Baie and Gidleigh Park. If running up to his best, the ratings suggest he may be hard to beat.
Pic D’orhy to Break New Ground
Il Est Francais has the numbers on his side. However, one thing he lacks is experience at this track. The Paul Nicholls-trained Pic D’orhy has no such concerns. Sporting the pink and blue hoops of Mrs Johnny de la Hey, the 10-year-old will be making his 10th appearance at Ascot on Saturday afternoon. Five of those previous outings have ended in success, including the past two editions of this race.
Pic D’Orhy goes back to back in the Copybet 1965 Chase! 🥇🥇#ITVRacing | @Ascot | @CobdenHarry | @PFNicholls pic.twitter.com/DgB65OMBj9
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) November 23, 2024
His task was made a little easier when Shishkin refused to race in 2023, allowing him to cruise to a 16-length success. The winning margin wasn’t quite so spectacular in 2024, but he led from pillar to post and rarely looked in any danger. Sitting alongside Master Minded and Al Ferof as the only dual winners of the race, Pic d’Orhy bids to become the first ever 1965 Chase hattrick hero. That weight disadvantage makes life tough, and he is unlikely to be allowed an easy lead this year, but his proven ability over track and trip counts for plenty.
Arkle Champ Makes First Start in Open Company
First successful with The Tsarevich in 1983 and most recently with Top Notch in 2015, Nicky Henderson has five 1965 Chase wins to his name. That tally places the Seven Barrows handler second on the all-time list behind big rival Paul Nicholls.
Flying the flag for Henderson this time around is a horse who scored on his rules debut at this track in 2023. Jango Baie has come a long way since that novice hurdle success, picking up Grade 1 wins in the 2023 Formby Novices Hurdle and, more famously, the 2025 Arkle Chase.
The six-year-old only lined up at Cheltenham due to the injury afflicting his stablemate Sir Gino and was expected to find the 2m trip on the short side. That looked set to be the case turning into the straight. However, Jango Baie produced an incredible finishing effort to move from last to first and get up close home. Back up to what is viewed as a more suitable trip, he’s a fascinating contender.
Grade 2 Winners Round Out Quality Field
Il Est Francais, Pic D’orhy, and Jango Baie take up the top three positions in the market, but it may be unwise to dismiss Master Chewy and Gidleigh Park. Both are dual Grade 2 winners, and Gidleigh Park finished ahead of Jango Baie when second in the Manifesto Novices Chase at the 2025 Aintree Grand National Meeting.
Will Il Est Francais’s weight advantage be decisive? Can Pic d’Orhy enter the history books? Or will the prize head elsewhere? We will know the answer shortly after 1:30 pm on Saturday.