Galopin Des Champs clinched his 10th Grade One triumph after dominating his stablemate Fact To File to win the Savills Chase on day three of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival.
Fact To File had won the battle of the Willie Mullins-trained stars in the John Durkan Chase at Punchestown five weeks ago when last year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup winner was only third.
But crucially the John Durkan was only over two-and-a-half miles, as opposed to Saturday’s distance of three miles, and Galopin Des Champs was a well-backed 5-6 favourite to land the big race of the Leopardstown meeting.
Paul Townend was on board for Galopin Des Champs’ latest triumph two days after riding Banbridge to victory in the King George at Kempton.
Townend’s mount led every step of the way at Leopardstown and pulled away on the run-in to win by seven-and-a-half lengths after his 13-8 stablemate had moved to within a length of him at the last.
“That was some performance,” trainer Mullins told RTE Sport after Galopin Des Champs’ victory.
“It’s one of the best performances I’ve seen around here anyway. It’s frightening to think he’s improving at nine [years old]. Hopefully he hasn’t left his whole season behind him.”
The Mouse Morris-trained 28-1 shot Gentlemansgame completed the top three with Mullins’ Aintree Grand National winner from earlier this year, I Am Maximus, never in contention in Saturday’s big race.
O’Brien continues winning run
Joseph O’Brien continued his impressive run of success over the festive period as he saddled 15-8 favourite Home By The Lee to land the Grade One Christmas Hurdle at the Leopardstown meeting.
O’Brien trained King George winner Banbridge on Boxing Day before Solness’ Rewards Club Chase triumph at Leopardstown on Friday and JJ Slevin was on board for Home By The Lee’s dominant win in Saturday’s stayers hurdle.
Home By The Lee won the Christmas Hurdle in 2022 but was only fifth of six last year before returning to good form this season by taking victory in the Lismullen Hurdle in mid-November.
As 2022 Grand National winner Noble Yeats was pulled up and last year’s King George winner Hewick faded after the last, Home By The Lee charged clear on the run-in to finish six lengths clear of 3-1 shot Bob Olinger, who was ridden by Rachael Blackmore.
66-1 outsider Rocky’s Diamond completed the top three.
