15 March 2024 , 15:39
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Galopin Des Champs claimed back-to-back Gold Cups with a dominant performance in the prestigious race at the Cheltenham Festival.
Paul Townend rode the heavy favourite to victory on Friday afternoon for Willie Mullins, who claimed his 100th win at Cheltenham earlier in the week and has enjoyed a fantastic festival. Gerri Colombe came in second, with Corach Rambler in third.
Townend had edged his way to join the front-runners jumping four out and although the loose Fastorslow threatened to check his momentum as Charlie Deutsch aboard L’Homme Presse set sail for home three out, there were few dramas for the week’s leading rider, who looked in complete control jumping to the front two out.
Mullins' stable claim the £351,688 prize money for winning, with the rest of the £625,000 split between the rest. The victory continues a dominant run for Mullins and Townend, who also won the race with Al Boum Photo in 2019 and 2020.
"Unbelievable. We had to go through his reserves," Townend told ITV Sport. “We were a bit in between at the last and I was afraid about going for it, but it was a Gold Cup and you had to – and he’s pulled out all the stops again.
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"What makes him a champion? His heart probably. We had to go through reserves which only special horses have." The victory is Mullins' 103rd at Cheltenham and caps an eye-catching week for the Irishman.
Mullins and Townend were combining for their fourth Gold Cup triumph following Al Boum Photo’s back-to-back triumphs in 2019 and 2020 and Galopin Des Champs’ victory over Bravemansgame 12 months ago and it was a fitting way to cap a stellar week for the master of Closutton and his stable jockey.
"I think he just put himself into the superstar category, to do what he did and the way he did it with the loose horse," Mullins told ITV Sport. "We will come back and try to win it for a third time. He has the ability to do it.
"He gave us no concern really, it was the loose horse which was the one concern. He hit one fence early, third or fourth, but after that it was very easy. Paul got him into position and he was travelling easily."
"We are so happy and excited. It is just fantastic. He is a fantastic horse," winning owner Audrey Turley said on BBC Radio 5 Live. "It isn't easy to win back to back Gold Cups. We couldn't be more thrilled and to do it on the 100th anniversary of the Gold Cup - what a moment."
"The loose horse added spice to proceedings but Galopin Des Champs is a supreme champion," former jump jockey Charlie Poste said on 5 Live. "Paul Townend made a fantastic move. He pushed Jack Kennedy back behind the loose horse as they came down the hill. He didn't want him to get out then.
"Paul Townend is a big race rider at the top of his game and it was a smooth ride and plain sailing. He kept things simple."
A proud Elliott said of Gerri Colombe: “My horse ran a great race and I’m very proud of him. He was up against a superstar. It’s always disappointing when you lose, but the horse that beat him is exceptional.”