'Sizing John' failed in its bid to close out 2017 with a 100% record today at the Leopardstown Christmas Festival.
The triple Gold Cup winner was out of sight at the finish of the Grade 1 Christmas Steeplechase, as 'Road to success' crossed the line first for trainer Noel Meade.
It was the icing on the cake for the Gigginstown House Stud, who claimed a 1-2-3 finish, with 'Balko Des Flos' and 'Outlander' placing second and third respectively.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sean Flanagan wins the Leopardstown Christmas Steeplechase on Road to Respect for Noel Meade at <a href="https://twitter.com/tuvastables?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tuvastables</a> <a href="https://t.co/q8IfJVZi1g">pic.twitter.com/q8IfJVZi1g</a></p>— Leopardstown RC (@LeopardstownRC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LeopardstownRC/status/946401036637540352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2017</a></blockquote>
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'Apples Jade' lived up to its favourite tag in the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle.
Davy Russell rode the mare to success, beating out 'Supasundae' who was a close second.
Unfortunately, the win was overshadowed by sadder scenes on the course, as Nichols Canyon suffered a fatal fall.
The horse claimed over £700,000 in prize money, with a win in the Stayers' Hurdle in 2017 being the highlight:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nichols Canyon won eight Grade One races and was still only a seven-year-old - his finest moment coming in the Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham in March. Our sympathy goes out to all his connections. <a href="https://t.co/E0BO4JnyHU">pic.twitter.com/E0BO4JnyHU</a></p>— Racing UK (@Racing_UK) <a href="https://twitter.com/Racing_UK/status/946376720327753728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Gordon Elliot's first win of the day came in the 12.15, as 'Flawless Escape' powered to victory.
Meanwhile,
'Mine Now' was a surprise 33/1 winner in the second race of the day. The victory topped off a fruitful day for trainer Peter Fahey who also had 'Toushan' place first in the 1.40 at Limerick.
The Joseph O'Brien saddled 'Hardback' narrowly edged out 'Low Sun' to claim the Irish Daily Star Novice Handicap Hurdle.
The good news didn't stop there for O'Brien, as 'Alighted' was first past the post in the following race.
