In a spellbinding display of power and precision, Galopin Des Champs obliterated a top-class field to land the Savills Chase at Leopardstown, shortening to odds-on favourite for an unprecedented third consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cup victory. Willie Mullins’ superstar made a mockery of his rivals, storming clear for a seven-length success that marked him out as a steeplechasing great.
Imperious Savills Chase Triumph
Tracking the front-running Galopin Des Champs under a motionless Paul Townend, market rival Fact To File loomed large approaching the second-last, but that was as close as he got. Townend pressed the accelerator and his mount bounded clear in a matter of strides, a prodigious leap at the final fence putting an exclamation point on a devastating performance.
Gold Cup Hat-Trick Bid Awaits
Bookmakers reacted instantly to Galopin Des Champs’ superiority, slashing his Cheltenham Gold Cup price to a prohibitive 4-5 as he bids to become the first since the legendary Best Mate in 2004 to record a hat-trick in chasing’s blue riband. On this evidence, it will take a herculean effort to lower his colours come the Festival in March.
That was awesome. He’s an incredible horse and just keeps progressing. The Gold Cup is the big target now.
— Winning rider Paul Townend
Mullins Momentum Restored
Galopin Des Champs’ tour de force also allayed concerns over the form of Willie Mullins’ usually all-conquering stable. The master of Closutton had endured an uncharacteristically quiet festive period but a Grade 1 double courtesy of Galopin Des Champs and Impaire Et Passe at Limerick saw normal service resumed in spectacular fashion.
- Impressive 7-length Savills Chase win
- Slashed to 4-5 favourite for Cheltenham Gold Cup
- Bids for historic third consecutive Gold Cup victory
The road to a third Gold Cup now looks as smooth as ever for Galopin Des Champs. Barring accidents, it will take a performance of rare brilliance to deny this extraordinary horse a place in the pantheon of steeplechasing greats. Roll on Cheltenham.
