AN already sensational Christmas for Joseph O’Brien got even better when Home By The Lee asserted his dominance in the Irish three-mile hurdling division by landing the Grade 1 Savills Hurdle under J.J. Slevin.

O’Brien, who operates with a small string of National Hunt horses nowadays, was making it three Grade 1s in three days after Banbridge’s King George VI Chase triumph at Kempton and Solness’ 28/1 shock in the Paddy's Rewards Club Chase at Leopardstown. The same team were also second in the Grade 1 Faugheen Novice Chase at Limerick when Jordans produced a career-best effort.

Sent off the 15/8 favourite for owner-breeder Sean O’Driscoll, Home By The Lee’s only other win at the highest level came in this race two years ago, and he tightened in price to 8/1 (from 16/1) for the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle with the race sponsors after this six-length success over Bob Olinger.

Rocky’s Diamond, a 66/1 shot who had 29lb to find with the runner-up, posted a huge performance to finish third for Declan Queally.

Speaking after the recent Boyne Hurdle winner made it two wins from two starts this season, O’Brien said: “He’s been a good horse for a few years now and it was a really good reappearance at 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] and 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.”

Of his recent run of form, O’Brien added: “It’s been a really good week. Solness has been a good consistent horse, but J.J. found a good strip of ground all the way and Banbridge was going to be in the mix if he stayed and Paul [Townend] gave him a fantastic ride. Rarely things fall into place the way like you dream they could, but this week it has for us.”