The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the pinnacle of National Hunt racing and the most prestigious race of the four-day Cheltenham Festival. With a rich history dating back to 1924, the race has seen some of the greatest jump horses and jockeys of all time compete for the coveted prize. And this year, it was Galopin Des Champs who stole the show as he romped clear to land the Festival feature for jockey Paul Townend and trainer Willie Mullins. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the thrilling race and how Galopin Des Champs secured his place in Cheltenham history.
In a stunning performance at the Cheltenham Festival, Galopin Des Champs, ridden by Paul Townend and trained by Willie Mullins, proved to be the best in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. The seven-year-old horse had fallen in last year’s Turners’ Novices’ Chase when he was looking set to win by a wide margin. This year, however, Galopin Des Champs had an exceptional run, jumping and travelling smoothly to stay behind rivals while attempting to galvanise their mounts. Townend and Galopin Des Champs gave an outstanding performance and were able to jump away from the gallant Bravemansgame and Harry Cobden at the final fence, winning by seven lengths at the line. Conflated finished third under stand-in jockey Sam Ewing, with last year’s Grand National winner Noble Yeats back in fourth.
Defending champion A Plus Tard under Rachael Blackmore suffered interference after the fall of Ahoy Senor and was eventually pulled up. It was a perfect ride from Paul Townend and a moment of redemption, being his third Gold Cup win, having suffered an agonising fall when set to win the race last year.
Winning trainer Willie Mullins praised Townend’s ride and stated that there was a huge weight of expectation behind Galopin Des Champs. Mullins also shared that he had been wondering if Galopin Des Champs was too far back and if they’d try to sap his stamina. However, Townend gave him a brilliant, cool ride, and Galopin Des Champs jumped his way into the race. A delighted Townend added that his ride was a bit messy as he couldn’t get a clean passage early, but when he got a bit of room, Galopin Des Champs was very brave. Galopin Des Champs missed one of the fences coming down the hill, but straightaway, he was back on the bridle, and his jockey disagrees with the idea that the horse doesn’t understand how good he is.
The Gold Cup brings winning achievements to a different level in racing, and Cheltenham is very important, but the Gold Cup just adds a little extra spice to it. The 70,000-strong sell-out crowd roared their appreciation as Townend and Mullins lifted the coveted trophy for the third time.
And so, another thrilling edition of the Cheltenham Gold Cup comes to a close, with Galopin Des Champs emerging as a worthy victor. The Willie Mullins-trained horse put in a stunning performance under jockey Paul Townend, outclassing a competitive field to take the prestigious feature race of the Festival. The crowd were treated to an enthralling spectacle of jumps racing, with plenty of drama and excitement to keep them on the edge of their seats. As the dust settles on this year’s Gold Cup, fans will no doubt already be looking forward to next year’s edition and wondering who will emerge victorious then. Until then, we can all bask in the glory of a great day’s racing and marvel at the skill and talent on display. Congratulations to Galopin Des Champs and all those involved in this emphatic victory.
