WILLIE Mullins was blown away by what he described as “one of the best performances I have ever seen at Leopardstown” as Galopin Des Champs further cemented his position as one of the great staying chasers of the 21st century with a scintillating Savills Chase success.

The highly anticipated rematch between Fact To File and the dual Cheltenham Gold Cup hero delivered in spades as a contest, with the rising star trying his best to test the reigning champion but coming up short against a display of pure brilliance and power.

Paul Townend was decisive from the front on Audrey Turley’s pride and joy, and the most impressive part of the performance was how Galopin Des Champs thumped in the finishing line. He was unstoppable on the run in and stretched seven and a half lengths clear of a gallant effort from Fact To File, who probably raced more freely than ideal.

Mouse Morris' Gentlemansgame got back on track with a fine third - his first outing since the Punchestown Festival.

“That was some performance,” beamed Mullins.

“He put in some fantastic jumps and to win the way he did after giving the other horse a lead the whole way was one of the best performances I have ever seen at Leopardstown.

“It’s frightening to think he could still be improving and hopefully he hasn’t left his whole season behind him, but what a great day and a great atmosphere with people all around the parade ring. He’s done it the hard way and jumped out in front today.”

Of the runner-up, he added: “Fact To File ran a little bit keen. We might change riding instructions for him in future. If he settles he can stay further. He stayed well today, but he’s come up against an exceptional horse.”

Galopin Des Champs is now the 6/4 favourite (from 5/2) with Ladbrokes to become the first three-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner since Best Mate, while stablemate Fact To File was eased out to 7/2 (from 5/2) for the same race.

However, the latter has also been cut to 5/1 (from 16/1) with Paddy Power for the Ryanair Chase, should connections stray away from another clash with the now dual Savills Chase star.