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 previous two renewals of the Cheltenham Gold Cup – also took a Grade One last season and ran unbeaten over fences at the Dublin course.
He was 5-6 favorite under Paul Townend but had stablemate Fact To File to contend with after beating him when finishing third in the John Durkan Memorial at Punchestown.
Gallopin Des Champs ran all the way and started early, and although Fact To File gave chase in the latter stages, he could do little to prevent the winner from crossing the line a mighty seven and a half lengths ahead.
Home By The Lee continues a dream run for Joseph O'Brien
Home By Lee reclaimed his title in the Savills Hurdle at Leopardstown in fine style as Joseph O'Brien's Christmas streak continues apace.
The O'Brien trainer has taken the race in 2022 but was fifth of six last year, although he has returned to good form this season to take on the Lismullen Hurdle in mid-November.
Home By The Lee (red) goes home in the Savills Hurdle
The JJ Slevin-trained 15-8 favorite was produced for his challenge to perfection to prevail by six lengths from Bob Olinger.
In doing so, he gave O'Brien his third grade of the first Christmas period, behind 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 brings Mullins back to winning ways
Willie Mullins' Christmas luck took a turn for the better as Kaid d'Authie impressed to win the Savills Maiden Hurdle at Leopardstown.
The four-year-old has made just one pre-start for his powerful stable, having finished fifth behind fellow current Majborough at Auteuil in April last year due to previous connections.
His first ride 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 throughout the two-mile-four-furlong affair, happily holding on for a straight half-length victory from Henry de Bromhead's Cocktail Divina.
“He's a lovely, big, long-stride horse who has very little respect for his crotch and looks like he could be more of a hunter,” said Mullins, who endured a thin spell by his standards over the first two days of the holiday racing period.
“He's a big chasing guy and he's similar to Majborough. They both cover a huge amount of ground when they canter.
“I'd say he'll come back here for the Dublin Racing Festival and take over the first two miles and then we'll see where he's at.”