Banbridge strikes for Paul Townend and Joseph O'Brien in King George

Banbridge came from the clouds to snatch the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase from Il Est Francais.

The French raider, trained by Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm, had put in a spectacular display of jumping under James Reveley and turning into straight had extended his lead back out to around 10 lengths.

However, Paul Townend on the Joseph O'Brien-trained Banbridge (7-1) was working up a real head of steam and was making ground hand over fist on the exuberant front-runner, who had been so spectacular on this card 12 months ago.

Beginning to tire, Il Est Francais got in too tight to the last, handing Banbridge a chance and when he met it on a long stride, he landed with all the momentum and went on to win by a length and three-quarters.

Given the way the race was run with Il Est Francais putting them to the sword from some way out, some very good horses never got involved.

The likes of Spillane’s Tower, Envoi Allen and Grey Dawning, who made an early blunder, were never at the races.

It was L’Homme Presse, having his first run of the season, who fared best of the rest in third with The Real Whacker justifying the decision to supplement him by finishing fourth for a second successive year.

Does he stay? You bet he does!