Ffos Las stages an outstanding Wednesday jumps card headlined by Il Est Francais, who makes his first appearance for trainer Dan Skelton in the feature Faucets Handicap Chase.
4.38 Ffos Las - Il Est Francais debuts for the Skelton brigade
A dual Grade 1 winner whose palmares includes the Kauto Star Novices' Chase victory in 2023, Il Est Francais arrives at the Pembrokeshire track seeking to rediscover the form that saw him finish runner-up in the King George at Kempton in 2024. That high-class effort now feels distant following three consecutive pull-ups, making this switch to a new yard potentially significant for his career trajectory.
According to At The Races, Dan Skelton acknowledged that Il Est Francais had previously experienced bleeding issues, though none had occurred recently. The trainer expressed his desire for the horse to complete the race and
get a number next to his name not a letter, signalling his intent to rebuild confidence through a positive finishing effort rather than pushing for victory at any cost.
The gelding will carry 12st from an official rating of 155, with Harry Skelton in the saddle, as reported by Racing Post. He will need to be operating at peak efficiency to concede weight all round in this competitive handicap.
Crebilly, trained by Jonjo and AJ O'Neill, heads a formidable list of alternatives. The gelding doubled his tally over fences when recording success at Worcester in September and carries a fitness advantage into the contest.
Saint Segal enjoyed a productive campaign last year, registering two victories. The drop into handicap company should suit him after contesting top-level events during the spring months.
Torneo, Down Memory Lane and Southoftheborder offer each-way appeal for punters seeking alternatives to the principals.
3.30 Ffos Las - Tutti Quanti and Captain Teague clash in novices' chase
A stellar field has gathered for this Listed Adept GRP Cabinets Novices' Chase, with Tutti Quanti heading four runners in pursuit of success on his fences debut.
The Paul Nicholls-trained six-year-old produced a dominant display when winning the William Hill Hurdle in February before disappointing in the Champion Hurdle. This 151-rated hurdler has long been earmarked for chasing, and he could prove substantially superior to his rivals under Sam Twiston-Davies on his first appearance over the larger obstacles.
Captain Teague represents a fresh challenge for Dan Skelton following his switch from the Paul Nicholls yard. A Grade 1 winner as a novice hurdler, he struck on his fences debut before encountering setback at Newbury. His subsequent return to hurdles has provided time for recovery, and connections hope he can re-establish himself in the chasing sphere.
George's Lad impressed when winning decisively at Haydock in April and merits consideration on his fencing bow, while Tamarind Bay cannot be overlooked. A winner of three of his five starts over fences, his experience could prove decisive in a competitive contest.
2.20 Ffos Las - Sinnatra and Pourquoi Pas Papa head over fences
Sinnatra and Pourquoi Pas Papa lead an excellent line-up for this JCP Solicitors Novices' Limited Handicap Chase at 2.20pm.
Dan Skelton's Sinnatra demonstrated consistent improvement throughout his hurdles campaign, culminating in a superb second-place finish behind Storming George at Aintree. He now makes his handicap chase debut, and this imposing type could flourish in the jumping discipline.
Pourquoi Pas Papa represents a formidable threat for Paul Nicholls and Sam Twiston-Davies. At just four years old, he will benefit from a substantial weight allowance and, having placed at the Aintree festival on his most recent start, he rates as a smart prospect with genuine winning credentials.
Light Fandango seeks a third consecutive victory having won handicap hurdles at both Doncaster and Musselburgh and must command respect if allowed a clear round.
Wandering Ego and Desertmore News complete a strong quintet of runners.
2.55 Ffos Las - Veterans' Handicap Chase
Nocte Volatus, Ben Solo and Iron Bridge feature in the RWK Goodman Veterans' Handicap Chase. Iron Bridge looks to continue his winning sequence after scoring at Haydock when last seen in April.
4.05 Ffos Las - King Roly bids for back-to-back wins
Fresh from putting five rivals to the sword at Worcester last week, King Roly attempts to go in again for Mickey Bowen in the Adept GRP Cabinets Native River Handicap Chase at 4.05pm. He takes on Viroflay, who now carries a mark of 144 after winning at Newton Abbot by an enormous margin on his last outing.
5.13 Ffos Las - Enigma Flooring Handicap Chase
The card concludes with the Enigma Flooring Handicap Chase at 5.13pm, where Yes Day and Jaccours are likely to command market support.
What happens next
Il Est Francais was scheduled to make his stable debut in the Faucets Handicap Chase at Ffos Las on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, as At The Races confirmed. The outcome of this assignment will provide crucial indicators regarding his ability to rediscover the form that established him as a Grade 1 performer.
