Galopin Des Champs Clinches 10th Grade One Win

Galopin Des Champs secured his 10th Grade One victory by triumphing in the Savills Chase on day three of the Leopardstown Christmas Festival, comfortably beating his stablemate, Fact To File. Fact To File had previously triumphed in the John Durkan Chase at Punchestown where Galopin Des Champs finished third. However, the John Durkan was over two-and-a-half miles compared to the three-mile Savills Chase where Galopin Des Champs was the 5-6 favorite.

Ridden by Paul Townend, Galopin Des Champs led from the start and stretched his advantage in the final furlong, crossing the line seven-and-a-half lengths ahead of 13-8 second favorite Fact To File. Trainer Willie Mullins praised the performance, calling it one of the best he’d seen at Leopardstown, adding that it was remarkable to see the nine-year-old continue to improve.

Gentlemansgame, trained by Mouse Morris, finished third at 28-1 while Aintree Grand National winner I Am Maximus never challenged. Meanwhile, Joseph O’Brien continued his successful festive period by training Home By The Lee to victory in the Grade One Christmas Hurdle. The 15-8 favorite won the race for the second time, having triumphed in 2022 and was back in top form after a strong win in the Lismullen Hurdle in November.

JJ Slevin rode Home By The Lee to a six-length victory over 3-1 shot Bob Olinger with Rachael Blackmore in the saddle. The 66-1 outsider Rocky’s Diamond completed the top three. O’Brien had also trained King George winner Banbridge and Solness’ Rewards Club Chase winner at Leopardstown, further solidifying his impressive run of success.