Solness and Skylight Hustle secured wins within the Grace One races on day two of the Christmas Competition at Leopardstown on Saturday.

Solness (8-1) repeated his victory of 12 months in the past within the Membership Chase Steeplechase as he edged out Marine Nationale (2-1) by half a size.

The 2 horses have been concerned in an exhilarating four-way battle on the entrance as they jumped the ultimate fence, with Sam Ewing’s mount proving an efficient frontrunner for coach Joseph O’Brien.

Having his first race of the season, Barry Connell-trained Marine Nationale overcame the setback of hitting the third of the 11 fences, with jockey Sean Flanagan doing nicely to remain within the saddle after which get his horse into competition on the run-in.

“He is powerful as nails and he loves racing at Leopardstown,” successful coach O’Brien instructed RTE after the race.

Pre-race favorite Majborough (6-4) completed third.

In the meantime Skylight Hustle took full benefit after Speak The Speak fell on the closing fence to clinch successful within the two-mile Novices Hurdle.

Jack Kennedy had moved the eventual winner stylishly into competition however his mount appeared booked for second when Joseph O’Brien’s challenger quickened impressively to guide by half a size going to the final.

Simply as Ewing was poised to be beneficiary of two Grade Ones on the cardboard stepping in for the concussed JJ Slevin, Speak The Speak landed too steeply and was unable to maintain his stability.

That misfortune left the 3-1 favorite to come back dwelling with 5 lengths to spare over Carrigmoornaspruce (12-1), with Love Me Tender (4-1) in third.

“The horse travelled like a dream the entire method and jumped like a buck,” Elliott stated on RTE.

“I assumed it dwell that we have been beat, however once I appeared on the re-run, I wasn’t certain [with] the way in which my lad galloped from the final to the road.

“Jack stated when he got here in ‘I can not assure I might have gained however I positively wasn’t beat’. He stated he actually appreciated the way in which he went from the final to the road.

“It occurred to us yesterday [when El Cairos fell when in front at the last] however that is why it is referred to as bounce racing.

“He is an excellent horse and I feel he’ll keep additional as nicely. I would think about he’ll come again right here for the Dublin Racing Competition.”