How a call from Ruby Walsh helped Brian Cooper steer Franco de Port to Novice Chase win
Bryan Cooper celebrates onboard Franco De Port after winning
Willie Mullins earned the bragging rights by taking the first Grade 1 of the Irish Christmas festivals, the Racing Post Novice Chase at Leopardstown, but it was Franco De Port and not the more fancied Blackbow who gave the Closutton boss reason for Christmas cheer.
In an eventful race, the latter bowed out early when unable to get his landing gear out at the third fence, leaving just five to contest the valuable prize.
