Willie Mullins was encouraged by Galopin Des Champs' comeback effort despite only finishing third in Sunday's Savills Chase.
The fabulous nine-year-old had won the Leopardstown Grade 1 for the past two seasons, while his overall record at the track stood at a perfect seven from seven on the chase course, but that winning run came to an end after the progressive Affordale Fury galloped his rivals into submission in an eventful renewal.
Having disputed the lead early on under Paul Townend and never been far off the pace set by the race-fit winner, Galopin Des Champs stuck to his task doggedly and was only beaten three and a quarter lengths in third.
Mullins expects the belated seasonal debut run to do his star good, with a return to Leopardstown for the Irish Gold Cup - a race the horse has won for the past three seasons - firmly on the radar.
“I was very happy with him, he looked like he was going to win it after landing over the second-last," Mullins reflected on Racing TV.
“He just missed his prep race and that told on him I think going up to the last.
“He got a breather and still came back after the last. I was happy, disappointed he didn’t win, yes, but I didn’t expect him to win.
“It was his first run of the season and it’s a tough contest, having a first run.
“I think Paul (Townend) was happy with him, he won’t be swapping him anyhow. That (Irish Gold Cup) would look the plan at the moment."
Unlimited Replays
of all UK and Irish races with our Race Replays
Discover Sporting Life Plus Benefits
Galopin Des Champs' Grand National-winning stablemate I Am Maximus ran a huge race in second at 50/1 and his trainer feels he was a shade unfortunate after the winner jumped across his line of vision at the last fence.
“I thought he was unlucky," said Mullins.
"Given a different path from the second-last he might have gone very close. But he ran a cracker.”
More from Sporting Life
- Free bets
- Racecards
- Fast results
- Full results and free video replays
- Horse racing news
- Horse racing tips
- Horse racing features
- Download our free iOS and Android app
- Football and other sports tips
- Podcasts and video content
Safer gambling
We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.
If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.
Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org.
