Where To Bet on Savills Chase

Race Details:

Date: 2026.12.28
Grade: 1
Open To: Horses Five Years and Older
Track: Turf
Length: 4,828 Metres
Location: County Kildare, Ireland


The Savills Chase is a Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase held annually during the Christmas Festival in late December and is one of the standout staying chases of the Irish jump racing season.

The race is open to horses aged five years and older and is contested at Leopardstown Racecourse. It is run over a demanding 4,828 meter turf distance and features 17 fences, testing both stamina and jumping accuracy across nearly five kilometers.


Most Recent Winner - 2025:

Galopin Des Champs
Jockey: Paul Townend
Trainer: Willie Mullins

Galopin Des Champs once again demonstrated his dominance in the staying chase division with another commanding victory in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown. Ridden with patience by Paul Townend, the champion produced a controlled and authoritative performance to secure the Grade 1 title for a consecutive year, reinforcing his status as one of the outstanding chasers of his generation.


History:

The Savills Chase was first run in its current Leopardstown format in 1992 and has since become a centrepiece of the Christmas Festival. Over the years, it has attracted many of Ireland's top staying chasers and regularly serves as a key stepping stone toward major spring targets.

The most successful horse in the race's history is Beef Or Salmon, who recorded three victories in 2002, 2004, and 2005. Paul Carberry remains the most successful jockey, with four wins in the contest.


Betting Odds & Trends:

The Savills Chase generates strong betting interest each year due to its Grade 1 status and its position in the festive racing calendar. Popular wagering options include Win, Place, Each Way, Exacta, and Trifecta.

Horses aged six to eight with proven chase form and prior experience at Leopardstown tend to perform best. Stamina over extended distances and reliable jumping are essential, while familiarity with Leopardstown's galloping layout often proves decisive. Betting markets typically react sharply to weather updates and final declarations.


Fun Fact:

Savills Chase winners frequently progress to contest the Cheltenham Gold Cup, with several past champions also going on to win the Irish Gold Cup in later seasons.


Key Takeaways:

The Savills Chase is one of Ireland's premier Grade 1 staying chases

Course experience and endurance are consistent winning factors

The race is a major form guide for the Cheltenham Gold Cup

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