Fact To File returned to form with an authoritative victory in the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown, ridden to success by Mark Walsh. The Willie Mullins-trained nine-year-old produced a powerful finish to overhaul rivals and claim the feature prize.
Galopin Des Champs, a dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner who had taken the Dublin Racing Festival feature in each of the past three seasons, went off 15-8 favourite. The 10-year-old had suffered his first defeat in eight starts over fences when third in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown in late December, a belated seasonal reappearance that left many expecting an improved performance under Paul Townend.
After tracking Savills Chase winner Affordale Fury for much of the race, Galopin Des Champs seized the lead four fences out to a warm cheer from the crowd. He was soon joined by Monty’s Star and Fact To File, the latter looking to put a disappointing King George run at Kempton on Boxing Day behind him.
Another Mullins contender, Gaelic Warrior, came into contention from the home turn, but Fact To File — sent off at 9-2 — was travelling best under Walsh. He powered clear in the closing stages to win by five lengths, with Gaelic Warrior finishing a clear second. Galopin Des Champs just held on for third, narrowly ahead of Firefox, handing Mullins a one-two-three.
Reigning Cheltenham winner Inothewayurthinkin fell tired at the last but was able to walk away afterwards. The result marked a timely return to top form for Fact To File and added another big-race success to Walsh’s season.