The Cheltenham Festival is on the horizon, and the stage is set for Galopin Des Champs to try and attempt to win a third successive Gold Cup—a feat that has been accomplished by just a handful of horses in the race’s rich past, with the most recent being the legendary Best Mate in the early 2000s.
The Willie Mullins-trained horse has lit up the last two renewals of the prestigious Grade 1 contest with convincing triumphs at Prestbury Park, and he’s the heavy favourite in the Gold Cup odds to complete the three-peat this year.
His potential rivals include stablemate Fact To File — who looks more likely to go for the Ryanair Chase — King George VI Chase winner Banbridge, and the Henry de Bromhead-trained Monty’s Star, but unless something goes terribly wrong, no one should lay a glove on Galopin Des Champs.
That said, as legendary status awaits the nine-year-old, let’s examine some of the key moments in his career that have led to this point.
2021: Triumph in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle
The 2021 Cheltenham Festival marked Galopin Des Champs’ emergence on the big stage. Competing in the fiercely contested Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle, he delivered a commanding performance to beat the Dan Skelton-trained Langer Dan, securing his first Festival victory and signalling the arrival of a new talent in the National Hunt scene.
2022: Redemption in the Gold Cup Novice Chase
The 2022 Festival presented a significant challenge. After a heart-wrenching fall at the last fence in the Turners’ Novices’ Chase, where back-to-back victories at the Festival were imminent, Galopin Des Champs demonstrated his resilience by returning to clinch the Gold Cup Novice Chase. This victory was not only a showcase for his talent, but also his indomitable spirit.
2023: First Cheltenham Gold Cup victory
In 2023, Galopin Des Champs ascended to the pinnacle of National Hunt racing. Facing a competitive field in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, notably including highly-rated British rival Bravemansgame, he delivered a stellar performance, outpacing Paul Nicholls’ challenger by seven lengths. This decisive win solidified his status among the elite chasers.
2024: Defending the Cheltenham Gold Cup
The following year, Galopin Des Champs faced the formidable Gerri Colombe in his quest to retain the Gold Cup.
Despite the pressure from the Gordon Elliott-trained horse, he showcased his class and determination, fending off Gerri Colombe’s challenge by over three lengths to secure back-to-back victories in jump racing’s most prestigious event.
2025: Hat-trick in the Irish Gold Cup
Continuing his streak of excellence, Galopin Des Champs aimed for a third consecutive win in the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown. In a thrilling contest, he faced off against a string of top-class opponents.
Demonstrating his enduring prowess, Galopin Des Champs emerged victorious from two stablemates—66/1 outsider in the horse betting, Grangeclare West, and Fact To File—in a Mullins 1-2-3, further enhancing his legacy and setting the stage for a historic third Cheltenham Gold Cup bid.
