Home By The Lee continues ‘dream’ run for Joseph O’Brien

Home By Lee regained his Savills Hurdle title in good style at Leopardstown, as Joseph O’Brien’s Christmas hot streak continued apace.

O’Brien’s charge took the race in 2022, but was fifth of six last year, although he returned in good form this season to take the Lismullen Hurdle in mid-November.

The J J Slevin-trained 15-8 favourite was produced for his challenge to perfection to prevail by six lengths from Bob Olinger.

In doing so he was giving O’Brien a third Grade One of the Christmas period, after Banbridge in the King George at Kempton Park on Thursday and Solness in the Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase at Leopardstown on Friday.

O’Brien said: “He’s been a good horse for a few years now and it was a really good reappearance in Navan the last day.

“His best runs have been with the blinkers before. He’s always less enthusiastic on his second run and we were worried that he may do a bit too much with the blinkers back on.

“J J got him settled and into a lovely rhythm and I’m delighted for Sean and Rose (O’Driscoll, owners) and all their friends. This horse has a big following and is a special horse.

“I’d say that was close to a career-best from him. He’s been around for a number of years now and will go back to Cheltenham with an each-way chance.”

Of his recent run of form, O’Brien added: “It’s been a really good week.

“Solness has been a good consistent horse, but J J found a good strip of ground all the way and Banbridge was going to be in the mix if he stayed and Paul (Townend) gave him a fantastic ride.

“Rarely things fall into place the way like you dream they could, but this week it has for us.”