The Savills Chase at Leopardstown is a defining race of the National Hunt season, showcasing the very best staying chasers. Taking place during the Leopardstown Christmas Festival, the race offers racing fans a glimpse of potential Cheltenham Gold Cup contenders. For punters, the Savills Chase is an excellent opportunity to bet on horse racing, as its competitive fields often produce thrilling and unpredictable finishes.
Here, we assess the last five winners of this prestigious race and their impact on the sport.
2023: Galopin Des Champs
The 2023 Savills Chase confirmed Galopin Des Champs as one of the most dominant staying chasers of his generation. Trained by Willie Mullins, the reigning Cheltenham Gold Cup champion returned to Leopardstown to deliver another scintillating performance.
His ability to combine tactical speed with unrelenting stamina proved decisive, as he powered clear of his rivals in the closing stages. Galopin Des Champs’ performance reaffirmed his place at the top of the staying chase division, with expectations high for further Cheltenham glory.
2022: Conflated
Gordon Elliott’s Conflated showcased his class in the 2022 Savills Chase, producing a strong and measured performance to secure victory. Known for his ability to dictate races with tactical brilliance, Conflated fended off a high-calibre field with his stamina and jumping prowess.
While his subsequent campaign saw mixed fortunes, this victory cemented his reputation as one of Ireland’s leading staying chasers and a consistent performer at the highest level.
2021: Galvin
Galvin’s victory in the 2021 Savills Chase was a career-defining moment. Also trained by Elliott, he showed immense stamina and determination to outbattle his rivals in a thrilling finish. Galvin’s staying ability was already evident from his National Hunt Chase win at Cheltenham earlier in the year, and this victory confirmed him as a top-class chaser.
Though he didn’t quite scale the same heights at Cheltenham later in the season, his Leopardstown triumph remains a standout performance.
2020: A Plus Tard
The 2020 Savills Chase was a coming-of-age moment for A Plus Tard. Under a perfectly timed ride by Rachael Blackmore, the Henry de Bromhead-trained star produced a breathtaking turn of foot to overhaul his rivals in the final strides.
This victory marked his transition from a promising young horse to an elite staying chaser. A Plus Tard went on to achieve the ultimate accolade by winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2022, confirming his place among the legends of the sport.
2019: Delta Work
Delta Work’s 2019 triumph in the Savills Chase showcased his resilience and class in a fiercely competitive renewal. Another from Elliott’s care, he demonstrated his ability to handle pressure and outstay his rivals over Leopardstown’s demanding three-mile course.
A consistent performer in Grade 1 company, Delta Work later found success in Cheltenham’s Cross Country Chase, but his Savills Chase victory remains one of the highlights of his career.
The 2024 renewal promises to be another thrilling chapter in the race’s illustrious history. Will a familiar face reclaim the title, or will a new star emerge? Whatever the outcome, the Savills Chase remains a must-watch event for any racing fan.
