Champs brilliant on chase debut

Galopin Des Champs exploded on to the chasing scene with a stunning performance in the Ballymaloe Relish Beginners Chase at Leopardstown.

The Willie Mullins-trained gelding was a wide-margin winner of the Grade 1 novice hurdle over three miles at Punchestown back in April and made a brilliant start over fences this afternoon.

Paul Townend bounced out in front on the 4/7 shot in the two-mile-five contest and he was electric over his obstacles.

The five-year-old eased clear of his rivals down the back straight and Townend didn't need to engage top gear in the closing stages as he cruised to a highly impressive 22-length win over Ain't That A Shame

Mullins said:- “He was very impressive. I thought he was good but I didn't think he was that good, that was just something else.

“He was so effortless over all his fences. Paul said he was fantastic early on and at a few that he met short he just danced in front of his fences and took them at his stride.

“He did everything right and galloped away through the line and beyond it. He looks a very very exciting horse for the future, especially going over a trip.

“He's five going six so he's very young. All options are open for him.”

When asked if he could come back for the Dublin Racing festival he added:- “I'd imagine we might do that but we'll take one step at a time.”