Trainer Elliott Takes 2 Grade One Leopardstown Wins
Published
27 December 2025
Trainer Gordon Elliott declared two Grade One wins as part of a four-timer on the 2nd 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 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 occasion.
Solness, ridden by Ewing, took triumph 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) repeated his triumph of 12 months earlier in the very same race as he edged out Marine Nationale (2-1) by half a length.
The 2 horses were included in a thrilling four-way battle at the front as they leapt the final fence, with Ewing's install showing an efficient frontrunner for trainer O'Brien.
Having his first race of the season, Barry Connell-trained Marine Nationale got rid of the problem of striking the third of the 11 fences, with jockey Sean Flanagan doing well to remain in the saddle and then get his horse into contention on the altercation.
"He's difficult as nails and he likes racing at Leopardstown," winning trainer O'Brien told RTE after the race.
Pre-race favourite Majborough (6-4) finished third.
Meanwhile Skylight Hustle took full benefit after Talk The Talk fell at the last fence to clinch a success in the two-mile Novices Hurdle, the fallen horse having actually landed too steeply and not able to keep his balance.
Kennedy had actually moved the eventual winner stylishly into contention however his mount looked reserved for 2nd when Joseph O'Brien's opposition sped up impressively to lead by half a length going to the last.
Ewing, who stepped in for the concussed JJ Slevin was on board Talk The Talk, so might have been in line for an amazing 3 Grade One victories in a day, having ridden Favori De Champou and Solness to triumph.
Skylight Hustle, the 3-1 preferred, got back with 5 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 way and leapt like a dollar," Elliott informed RTE after enjoying his horse Skylight the winning post.
"I thought looking at it live that we were beat, but 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 stated when he can be found in 'I can't ensure I would have won however I definitely wasn't beat'. He stated he actually liked the way he went from the last to the line.
"It occurred 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 excellent horse and I believe he'll remain further too. I 'd imagine he'll return here for the Dublin Racing Festival."
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