Third Irish Gold Cup for Galopin Des Champs

Galopin Des Champs won his third Grade 1 Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown this afternoon.

Ridden by Paul Townend, the nine-year-old was always in control of the 3 miles 1/2 furlong contest.

Trained at Closutton by Willie Mullins, Galopin Des Champs was a 14th victory in the race for the champion trainer.

Leading, or disputing for most of the contest, the dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner remains unbeaten in chases around Leopardstown.

The Audrey and Greg Turley-owned son of Timos returned to the winner’s enclosure to rapturous applause and cheers.

“Something that never before happened to me, when we were jumping the last ditch, I could feel and hear the roar from the stands,” admitted Paul Townend after winning his second Grade 1 of the afternoon, before adding:

“You just lie on his neck now and he spots (a stride) from a long way away. What a champion. And you could go out on him in a head collar. All the reins are for is to turn him the right way and not fall out the back of him.

“I am very lucky to have come across him in my lifetime and so are the owners. And the brilliant thing about it is they don’t take it for granted and they really love the horse. For them to see the public are behind him now is brilliant.”

Commenting on his 14th Irish Gold Cup success and his third Grade 1 win on the day’s card, Closutton maestro trainer Willie Mullins said:

“Paul [Townend] has huge faith in him and said he was just going to jump out and go with him. He just jumped and galloped for three miles and it didn’t look like he was stopping coming up to the winning post. He’s just a real champion.”