Galopin Des Champs proved himself to be pretty much as good as ever with an incredible success within the Savills Chase at Leopardstown.
Willie Mullins’ eight-year-old – winner of the previous two renewals of the Cheltenham Gold Cup – additionally took this Grade One final season and lined up unbeaten over fences on the Dublin observe.
He was the 5-6 favorite below Paul Townend, however had stablemate Reality To File to take care of after being overwhelmed by him when ending third within the John Durkan Memorial at Punchestown.
Galopin Des Champs made all the working and set out his stall early, and though Reality To File did give chase within the latter phases he might do little to forestall the winner from crossing the road a power-packed seven and a half lengths forward.
House By The Lee continues dream run for Joseph O’Brien
House By Lee regained his Savills Hurdle title in good model at Leopardstown, as Joseph O’Brien’s Christmas sizzling streak continued apace.
O’Brien’s cost took the race in 2022, however was fifth of six final yr, though he returned in good type this season to take the Lismullen Hurdle in mid-November.
The J J Slevin-trained 15-8 favorite was produced for his problem to perfection to prevail by six lengths from Bob Olinger.
In doing so he was giving O’Brien a 3rd Grade One of many Christmas interval, after Banbridge within the King George at Kempton Park on Thursday and Solness within the Paddy’s Rewards Membership Chase at Leopardstown on Friday.
Kaid d’Authie places Mullins again on the successful path
Willie Mullins’ Christmas fortunes took a flip for the higher as Kaid d’Authie impressed to win the Savills Maiden Hurdle at Leopardstown.
The four-year-old had made just one prior begin for his powerhouse secure, having been fifth behind now-stablemate Majborough at Auteuil in April final yr for earlier connections.
His first run for Mullins and new proprietor JP McManus was luckless as he fell at Navan in early December, however nonetheless he was a 7-2 likelihood on his third try over hurdles.
Underneath Paul Townend he regarded comfy all through the two-mile, four-furlong affair, fortunately staying on to a simple half-length victory from Henry de Bromhead’s Koktail Divin.
“He’s a lovely big, long-striding horse who has very little respect for his hurdles and looks like he could be more of a chaser,” mentioned Mullins, who had endured a skinny spell by his requirements over the primary two days of the festive racing interval.
“He’s a big chasing type and is similar to Majborough. They both cover a huge amount of ground when they gallop.
“I might say he’ll come again right here for the Dublin Racing Pageant and tackle the highest two-milers and we’ll see the place he’s then.”
