Clarcam throws a fine leap at the last under Bryan Cooper© Photo Healy Racing
Cheltenham Festival hero Vautour suffered his first defeat for Willie Mullins as the Gordon Elliott-trained Clarcam ran out an impressive winner of the Grade One Racing Post Novice Chase at Leopardstown.
Last season's stunning Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner had made a foot-perfect start to his career over fences in beating Clarcam at Navan last month, and he was the 1/4 favourite to take the next step up the ladder.
All appeared to be going well in the early stages, but the complexion of the race changed when he made a shuddering mistake five fences from the finish and though picked up off the floor by Paul Townend, he was unable to respond when Bryan Cooper went for home on Clarcam, who galloped on relentlessly in front.
The 8/1 shot came up out of Cooper's hands to produce a prodigious leap at the final fence, sealing his runaway success, with Vautour and Ted Veale dead-heating for the runner-up spot.
Elliott said: "It's great for Bryan as this is the horse that he broke his leg on at Cheltenham. I know Vautour made mistakes but my horse didn't just win a length or two - he destroyed them.
"Bryan gave him a great ride - I thought he got to the front a bit soon, but it worked out grand.
"It's great to win another Grade One for Gigginstown. They are great owners and it's great for all my staff, who do such a great job.
"We'll look at coming back here for the (Irish) Arkle and see what happens then."
Paddy Power have pushed out Vautour to 5/1 (from 7/2) for the Arkle, and to 7/2 (from 9/4) for the JLT Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
Ladbrokes make Clarcam 8/1 for the Arkle, with Un De Sceaux their 7/4 favourite (from 5/2) and have pushed Vautour right out to 6/1 (from 5/2).
