Home By The Lee added a third Grade 1 of the week for trainer Joseph O’Brien in the 2m7f Grade 1 Savills Hurdle at Leopardstown on Saturday, after Banbridge’s King George triumph and Solness’ win in the Paddys Chase.

The nine-year-old enjoyed a solid end to last season, finishing third in both the Grade 1 Stayers' Hurdles at the Cheltenham and Punchestown Festivals, but appears to race well at this time of year. In 2022, he racked up two surprise victories in the Grade 2 Lismullen Hurdle and the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle in November and December – a double repeated two years later.

Always in touch with the leaders, jockey J J Slevin was able to settle Home By The Lee in the early stages but lost valuable momentum at the second last hurdle when making a messy jump. He was forced to swich right before the gelding made a move, taking advantage of an error by Bob Olinger at the final flight to cruise home by six lengths. Rocky's Diamond finished third.

Joseph O'Brien said: "He's been a good horse for a few years now and it was a really good reappearance in Navan the last day.

"His best runs have been with the blinkers before. He's always less enthusiastic on his second run and we were worried that he may do a bit too much with the blinkers back on.

"J J got him settled and into a lovely rhythm and I'm delighted for Sean and Rose (O'Driscoll, owners) all their friends. This horse has a big following and is a special horse.

"I'd say that was close to a career best from him. He's been around for a number of years now and will go back to Cheltenham with an each-way chance."