Trainer Elliott Takes 2 Grade One Leopardstown Wins

Published


27 December 2025


Trainer Gordon Elliott claimed two Grade One wins as part of a four-timer on the second day of the Christmas Festival at Leopardstown on Saturday, with jockey Sam Ewing likewise winning 2 of the significant races.


Elliott-trained Favori De Champdou fought back under Ewing to beat stablemate Look for Glory to win the Paddy Power Chase after Skylight Hustle had previously won the Novices Hurdle for Elliott, with Jack Kennedy the triumphant jockey on that celebration.


Solness, ridden by Ewing, took victory for fitness instructor Joseph O'Brien in the Club Chase Steeplechase in the other Grade One race of the day over the Irish course.


Solness (8-1) duplicated his success of 12 months ago in the same race as he edged out Marine Nationale (2-1) by half a length.


The 2 horses were associated with an awesome four-way battle at the front as they jumped the final fence, with Ewing's mount showing an effective frontrunner for trainer O'Brien.


Having his first race of the season, Barry Connell-trained Marine Nationale overcame the problem of striking the third of the 11 fences, with jockey Sean Flanagan doing well to remain in the saddle and after that get his horse into contention on the encounter.


"He is difficult as nails and he loves racing at Leopardstown," winning fitness instructor O'Brien informed RTE after the race.


Pre-race preferred Majborough (6-4) ended up third.


Meanwhile Skylight Hustle took full advantage after Talk The Talk fell at the final fence to clinch a success in the two-mile Novices Hurdle, the fallen horse having actually landed too steeply and unable to keep his balance.


Kennedy had moved the ultimate winner stylishly into contention however his mount looked booked for 2nd when Joseph O'Brien's opposition accelerated remarkably to lead by half a length going to the last.


Ewing, who actioned in for the concussed JJ Slevin was on board Talk The Talk, so might have been in line for an impressive three Grade One victories in a day, having ridden Favori De Champou and Solness to triumph.


Skylight Hustle, the 3-1 favourite, came home with five lengths to spare over Carrigmoornaspruce (12-1), with Love Me Tender (4-1) in 3rd.


"The horse took a trip like a dream the entire method and leapt like a dollar," Elliott told RTE after enjoying his horse Skylight Hustle pass the winning post.


"I thought taking a look at it live that we were beat, however when I took a look at the re-run, I wasn't sure [with] the method my lad galloped from the last to the line.


"Jack said when he came in 'I can't guarantee I would have won however I definitely wasn't beat'. He said he truly liked the way he went from the last to the line.


"It took place to us the other day [when El Cairos fell when in front at the last] but that's why it's called dive racing.


"He's an and I believe he'll remain further as well. I 'd envision he'll come back here for the Dublin Racing Festival."


Related topics


Northern Ireland Sport


Horse Racing


More on this story


Latest horse racing results