Un De Sceaux as short as 4-6 for Champion Chase

While a win in the Queen Mother Champion Chase may have so far eluded trainer Willie Mullins, his chances of addressing that rare omission from his CV moved a step nearer after Un De Sceaux gave further notice he is fast becoming the complete package with victory in the Sodexo Clarence House Chase at Ascot on Saturday.

Although falling on his seasonal return at Leopardstown, just as he did at Thurles on his chasing debut, the eight-year-old looked like the machine that tore apart his rivals in last season’s Arkle with a victory that put to one side his previous jumping frailties.

Adopting his customary front-running role, the 1-2 favourite was steadied into the first few fences by Ruby Walsh to ensure there would be no repeat of his previous misfortune.