Savills Chase
Grade 1, Leopardstown 14:25 €175,000 guaranteed, 5yo plus, 3m, Class 1
Tweet Thursday 28th December 2023

1 Galopin Des Champs 6/4F
2 Gerri Colombe 7/4
3 Capodanno 80/1
8 ran NR: Envoi Allen, Fastorslow, Janidil
Distances: 23l, hd, 8l Time: 6m 34.50s (slow by 46.50s)

Back with a bang ✨

Galopin Des Champs returns to winning ways with an emphatic @SavillsIreland Chase success! 🔥#LRCChristmas pic.twitter.com/BXblqJaX2w

— Leopardstown RC (@LeopardstownRC) December 28, 2023

Galopin Des Champs showcased a remarkable return to form in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown.

Despite facing setbacks in his two races following a Gold Cup win in March, the absence of his rival Fastorslow due to ground conditions eased his challenge. Under the guidance of jockey Paul Townend, the seven-year-old delivered an impressive and wide-margin victory.

After a somewhat lackluster performance in the John Durkan Chase, Galopin Des Champs displayed renewed enthusiasm in this race. Setting a comfortable pace in second behind leader Conflated, the order remained consistent, but Galopin Des Champs stood out with exceptional jumping skills.

A Plus Tard, another Gold Cup winner, and Gerri Colombe, a hopeful contender, couldn't catch up at any point. Townend took a wide approach in the final stretch, and with a flawless jump over the last fence, Galopin Des Champs surged further ahead, securing victory by an impressive 23 lengths over Gerri Colombe.

Bookmakers offer favorable odds for his chances in the upcoming Gold Cup, with QuinnBet pricing him at even money and Betfair and Paddy Power slightly larger at 5-4.

Christmas Steeplechase
€175,000 guaranteed, 5yo plus, 3m, Class 1
8 ran
Going: Soft, Soft to Heavy in places

POS. DIST HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1    Galopin Des Champs 7 11-10 W P Mullins Paul Townend 6/4F
2 23 Gerri Colombe 7 11-10 Gordon Elliott Jack Kennedy 7/4
3 hd Capodanno 7 11-10 W P Mullins Brian Hayes 80/1
4 8 I Am Maximus 7 11-10 W P Mullins Jody McGarvey 6/1
5 10 Appreciate It 9 11-10 W P Mullins Sean O'Keeffe 11/1
6 40 A Plus Tard 9 11-10 Henry De Bromhead Rachael Blackmore 11/1
PU Churchstonewarrior 8 11-10 Jonathan Sweeney Michael O'Sullivan 40/1
UR Conflated 9 11-10 Gordon Elliott Sam Ewing 14/1
NR 6 Envoi Allen 9 11-10 Henry De Bromhead NON RUNNER
NR 7 Fastorslow 7 11-10 Martin Brassil NON RUNNER
NR 11 Janidil 9 11-10 W P Mullins NON RUNNER