Today’s racing round-up includes news of declarations for the weekend’s action at Kempton and Leopardstown…
Trainer Willie Mullins has confirmed stable stars Galopin Des Champs and Fact To File are set to go head-to-head in a thrilling renewal of the Grade 1 Savills Chase at Leopardstown on Saturday. In a contest that pits the experienced dual Gold Cup winner against the up-and-coming Fact To File, bookmakers are struggling to separate the pair. Although Fact To File emerged triumphant in the duo's latest clash in the Grade 1 John Durkan Chase in late November, he will have to contend with Galopin Des Champs in ideal conditions – the experienced chaser boasts a near-unblemished record at Leopardstown
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Willie Mullins provided an update on Champion Hurdle hero State Man, who is poised to go for his eleventh Grade 1 in the Nevills Hotels Hurdle on Sunday. He will be attempting to reverse the form of the Grade 1 Morgiana Hurdle, which saw him finish second to Gordon Elliot's mare Brighterdaysahead. It was a first defeat for State Man in Ireland since falling on debut back in 2021.
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Current Arkle Trophy favourite Ballyrbun is expected to contest the Grade 2 Wayward Lad Novices' Chase at Kempton on Friday. Although he holds an entry in the Grade 1 Guinness 00 Faugheen Novice Chase at Limerick on Saturday, Willie Mullins has indicated a marginal preference for the former event. The six-year-old is likely to face the unbeaten Fighting Fifth Hurdle winner Sir Gino, with whom he vies for favouritism at the top of the market.
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The Japanese Grade 1 Arima Kinen at Nakayama was won by Regaleira for trainer Tetsuya Kimura and jockey Keita Tosaki. In doing so, the three-year-old filly denied Breeders' Cup Turf third Shahryar by a nose, who made rapid late progress under Cristian Demuro. The £5.5 million race was something of an international affair, with jockeys Tom Marquand and Ryan Moore involved in the contest. Their respective mounts Roushan Park and Stunning Rose both finished out of the places.
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Luxembourg, a four-time Group 1 winner, has been introduced to Coolmore's National Hunt division at a fee of €7,000. The only new recruit to Coolmore's jumps sires this season, Luxembourgboasted Grade 1 victories in the Irish Champion Stakes, Futurity Trophy, Tattersalls Gold Cup, and Coronation Cup; winning consistently at the highest level across a career that spanned four seasons. He is set to stand at The Beeches Stud in County Waterford, Ireland.
