Galopin Des Champs returns to star in Leopardstown | Racing news

Galopin Des Champs proved to be as good as ever with a huge success in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown.

Willie Mullins’ eight-year-old, winner of the last two renewals of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, also took that first grade last season and lined up unbeaten over fences at the Dublin track.

He was 5-6 favorite under Paul Townend but had stablemate Fact To File to contend with after being beaten by him when finishing third in the John Durkan Memorial at Punchestown.

Galopin Des Champs ran all the way and started his stop early, and although Fact To File chased in the closing stages, he could do little to prevent the winner crossing the line by seven and a half lengths in front

Home By The Lee continues the dream run for Joseph O’Brien

Home By Lee reclaimed his Savills Hurdle title in fine style at Leopardstown as Joseph O’Brien’s Christmas streak continued apace.

O’Brien’s charge took the race in 2022 but was fifth from six last year, although he returned to good form this season to take the Lismullen Hurdle in mid-November.

The JJ Slevin-trained 15-8 favorite was produced for his perfect challenge to prevail by six lengths from Bob Olinger.

Doing so gave O’Brien a third grade of the Christmas period, following Banbridge in the King George at Kempton Park on Thursday and Solness in the Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase at Leopardstown on Friday.

Kaid d’Authie puts Mullins back on the road to victory

Willie Mullins’ Christmas fortunes improved when Kaid d’Authie impressed to win the Savills Maiden Hurdle at Leopardstown.

The four-year-old had only made one previous start for his central stable, having finished fifth behind now stablemate Majborough at Auteuil in April last year on previous connections.

His first run for Mullins and new owner JP McManus was unlucky as he fell at Navan in early December, but he still had a 7-2 chance at his third attempt over hurdles .

Under Paul Townend he looked comfortable over the two-mile, four-furlong affair, staying happy with a straight 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 obstacles and looks like he could be more of a chaser,” said Mullins, who had endured a lean period by his standards in the first two days of the party racing period

“He’s a great hunter and he’s similar to Majborough. They both cover a lot of ground when galloping.

“I’d say he’ll come back here for the Dublin Racing Festival and tackle the big two kilometers and we’ll see where he is then.”