Trainer Willie Mullins got into the festive spirit on Saturday with two winners at both Leopardstown and Limerick on day one of the Christmas Festivals.
At Leopardstown, his 16/1 outsider Dysart Diamond claimed the Holden Plant Rentals Novice Handicap Hurdle.
The five-year-old, with David Mullins on board, came home ahead of Big King in second and Take All in third.
Then his Franco Du Port won the feature race at the Dublin course - the Grade One Racing Post Novice Chase.
Under the ride of Bryan Cooper, he had four-and-a-half-lengths to spare over Darver Star with the pre-race favourite Felix Desjy back in third.
Given a patient 😎ride by @92bryan92 Franco De Port comes home strongly to win the Grade 1 @RacingPost Novice Chase for @WillieMullinsNH & owners Burton Street V 🏆
Congratulations to all connections 👏 pic.twitter.com/BrB3Bp4k56
— Leopardstown RC (@LeopardstownRC) December 26, 2020
The Carlow trainer also had the winner in the big race at Limerick - the Matchbook Betting Exchange Faugheen Novice Chase.
With nephew Danny Mullins on board his Colreevy came home ahead of Pencilfulloflead and Janidil, after going off at a starting price of 5/1.
In the Eden Capital Maiden Hurdle meanwhile, Mullins' Shadow Rider was guided home by Mark Walsh after going off the 2/5 favourite.
The six-year-old came in ahead of Eye Van and Mount Melleray.
Colreevy chalks up another win by her name, as she battles to victory to score the Grade 1 @TeamMatchbook Betting Exchange Faugheen Novice Chase under @dan2231 for the @WillieMullinsNH team 🏆 pic.twitter.com/vgqAau9FYZ
— Limerick Races (@LimerickRaces) December 26, 2020
Across the water history was made in the King George VI Chase at Kempton was won by the 20/1 outsider Frodon.
The result marked a 12th win in the race for trainer Paul Nicholls.
25-year-old Bryony Frost became the first ever female jockey to win the race.
