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Galopin Des Champs confirmed his supremacy at Leopardstown with a victory over stablemate Fact To File in the Grade 1 Savills Chase on Saturday.

The dual Gold Cup winner, trained by Willie Mullins, boasts an incredible record at the course – with five wins from six previous wins.

Yet he faced stiff opposition from the young pretender to his throne, Fact To File, who had downed Galopin Des Champs on the pair's respective seasonal reappearance in a thrilling Grade 1 John Durkan Chase.

On this occasion, the Leopardstown factor came firmly to the fore, with Galopin Des Champs making all under a confident Paul Townend. Although Fact To File began to make headway and sit second with two to jump, the Mark Walsh-ridden gelding was unable to land a blow on Galopin Des Champs, finishing seven-and-a-half lengths adrift. Gentlemansgame finished third for trainer Mouse Morris and jockey Darragh O'Keeffe.

A delighted Willie Mullins said: "That was some performance.

"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 around here.

"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."

Regarding the runner-up, Mullins 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."

Paddy Power reacted to the result by shortening Galopin Des Champs from 9/2 joint favourite to 4/5 outright favourite for the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.