Trainer Elliott Takes Two 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 major races.
Elliott-trained Favori De Champdou fought back under Ewing to beat stablemate Search for Glory to win the Paddy Power Chase after Skylight Hustle had earlier won the Novices Hurdle for Elliott, with Jack Kennedy the triumphant jockey on that celebration.
Solness, ridden by Ewing, took success for trainer Joseph O'Brien in the Club Chase Steeplechase in the other Grade One race of the day over the Irish course.
(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 two horses were included in a thrilling four-way fight at the front as they jumped the last fence, with Ewing's install showing an effective frontrunner for trainer O'Brien.
Having his very first race of the season, Barry Connell-trained Marine Nationale overcame the obstacle of striking the 3rd of the 11 fences, with jockey Sean Flanagan succeeding to remain in the saddle and then get his horse into contention on the altercation.
"He is difficult as nails and he enjoys racing at Leopardstown," winning trainer O'Brien informed RTE after the race.
Pre-race favourite Majborough (6-4) ended up third.
Meanwhile Skylight Hustle took full advantage after Talk The Talk fell at the last fence to clinch a success in the two-mile Novices Hurdle, the fallen horse having landed too steeply and not able to keep his balance.
Kennedy had moved the eventual winner stylishly into contention but his mount looked reserved for second when Joseph O'Brien's opposition sped up impressively 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 could have been in line for an impressive 3 Grade One success 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 third.
"The horse took a trip like a dream the entire method and jumped like a dollar," Elliott told RTE after watching his horse Skylight Hustle pass the winning post.
"I thought taking a look at it live that we were beat, but when I looked at the re-run, I wasn't sure [with] the method my lad galloped from the last to the line.
"Jack said when he was available in 'I can't guarantee I would have won but I definitely wasn't beat'. He stated he really liked the method he went from the last to the line.
"It took place to us yesterday [when El Cairos fell when in front at the last] but that's why it's called dive racing.
"He's a great horse and I think he'll stay further too. I 'd imagine he'll return here for the Dublin Racing Festival."
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