Saint Sam pictured in action over fences© Photo Healy Racing
Returning to his country of birth, the Willie Mullins-trained Saint Sam landed the Prix de l'Orleanais at Auteuil on Saturday afternoon.
Successful at Cork last month, the now 10-time winner was sent off the 2/1 favourite for this two-mile two-furlong conditions hurdle.
Soon in front under Paul Townend, the Edward Ware-owned seven-year-old was pressed by Gallipoli from two out and after a good tussle in the closing stages, there was length between them at the line.
Across the English Channel at Chester, Mullins was just denied with Mr Escobar in the feature LiveScore Bet Watergate Cup.
Ridden by Sean Bowen, the 78-rated six-year-old attempted to make all, but was narrowly headed by Spirit Mixer inside the final furlong and while he battled back gamely, he ultimately went down by a nose.
Bowen also had to settle for second aboard Mercurial for his uncle John Nallen in the Listed Virgin Bet Stand Cup Stakes, with the 20/1 chance finding just the 4/5 favourite Al Qareem too good.
Yet another Irish trained horse finished second in the first divide of the Edinburgh Gin Jump Jockeys Challenge Handicap, with Karl Thornton's Grey Fable going down by three and a quarter lengths to the 2/1 favourite Ithaca's Arrow.
