Ranking the big winners from the Leopardstown Christmas Festival
The Leopardstown Christmas Festival never fails to deliver, and this year’s edition was no exception. Packed with top-class racing, unforgettable performances, and a few surprises in the horse racing odds along the way, it’s been a feast for National Hunt fans.
As the dust settles, it’s time to reflect on those who rose to the occasion and left a lasting impression.
From horses staking their claims for Cheltenham glory to trainers and jockeys seizing the spotlight, we’re ranking the biggest winners of the festival. Who stole the show, and who stamped their authority on the season? Let’s take a closer look.
Galopin Des Champs – Savills Chase
Galopin Des Champs was the star attraction of this year’s Leopardstown Christmas Festival, and the dual Gold Cup winner certainly didn’t disappoint in the defence of his Savills Chase crown.
The feature of the entire meeting, the Savills Chase is the perfect preparation for the Gold Cup—and the nine-year-old staked his claims for a historic third victory at Cheltenham with a remarkable win.
Reversing the form on stablemate Fact To File having finished third to his younger rival in the Punchestown Chase on reappearance, Galopin Des Champs was flawless in the commanding victory.
Willie Mullins’ star chaser is now the 11/10 favourite to land a hat-trick in the Gold Cup at Prestbury Park in March.
Brighterdaysahead – Neville Hotels Hurdle
It was a Leopardstown Christmas Festival to remember for Gordon Elliott, as he racked up an impressive seven victories over the four days.
None were more impressive than Brighterdaysahead’s win in the Neville Hotels Hurdle, though, as the six-year-old made a massive statement with second successive Grade 1 success over State Man.
The current Champion Hurdle holder was the odds-on favourite to reverse the form from Punchestown in November but didn’t get near Brighterdaysahead, who won by 30 lengths.
The classy mare was slashed for the Champion Hurdle as a result, but connections remain keen on targeting the Mares’ Hurdle.
Home By The Lee – Savills Hurdle
Elliott might have enjoyed the most wins over the course of the meeting, but Joseph O’Brien also made his presence felt with two Grade 1 successes at Leopardstown.
The dual-purpose handler certainly doesn’t have as much firepower in his yard as the likes of Elliott or Mullins, with roughly 20 jumpers, but that doesn’t stop him from competing at the top level.
Home By The Lee justified favouritism in the Savills Hurdle was coasting clear of Bob Olinger for a six-length success, setting up a potential crack at the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Solness was O’Brien’s other big winner of the week, causing a massive upset 24 hours earlier when beating Arkle winner Gaelic Warrior from 28/1.
Romeo Coolio – Future Champions Novice Hurdle
In addition to giving potential Cheltenham Festival pointers, the meeting is a stage for exciting prospects to prove their mettle, and Romeo Coolio did that in the Future Champions Novice Hurdle.
Romping home on the second day of the festival, Romeo Coolio went clear to win the Grade 1 by nine lengths from stablemate Bleu De Vassy.
The six-year-old is now the second favourite for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, the opening race at Cheltenham, at 8/1.
