Two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs dies
Galopin Des Champs, one of the finest staying chasers of the modern era, has died at the age of ten after sustaining a fatal injury in a field on Tuesday morning, reports BritPanorama.
The devastating news follows just five days after trainer Willie Mullins confirmed that the dual Cheltenham Gold Cup hero would not race again. Mullins stated that a collective decision had been made to retire Galopin Des Champs, highlighting concerns that the horse could not compete at the level he once did.
Mullins emphasized the importance of the horse’s future well-being, stating: “He retires a good, sound horse who will hopefully have a good second career as a sport horse.” Unfortunately, that second career was never to materialise.
Ruby Walsh, the former champion jockey who had taken Galopin Des Champs into his care, announced the tragic news on Tuesday evening. Speaking to Racing TV, Walsh described discovering the horse had suffered a severe injury on his leg, which was deemed unrepairable despite immediate veterinary attention. Consequently, the ten-year-old had to be euthanised.
Throughout his illustrious career, Galopin Des Champs amassed 12 Grade 1 victories, firmly establishing himself as one of the sport’s greats. His notable accomplishments included consecutive victories in the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2023 and 2024, and three Irish Gold Cups at Leopardstown. In March 2025, he aimed to join an elite group of horses to win three Gold Cups but fell short, finishing as the runner-up behind Inothewayurthinkin.
An injury setback earlier this year meant he missed the Gold Cup entirely, with his last race at Leopardstown in February resulting in a disappointing third place behind stablemate Fact To File in the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup.
Walsh’s heartfelt tribute extended to those who cared for Galopin Des Champs throughout his career, acknowledging the emotional impact of his passing on connections. He remarked: “He was a fabulous horse whose short time with us has left lots of broken hearts, but none more so than those of Greg, Audrey and Sarah Turley, and Adam Connolly, who looked after him for so long. He will be sadly missed.”
The owners, Greg and Audrey Turley, had entrusted the horse to Walsh’s family post-retirement. Walsh’s daughter Isabelle was preparing to retrain Galopin Des Champs for a second career in eventing, a plan that has now been tragically cut short.
The legacy of Galopin Des Champs is undoubtedly significant, leaving fans and connections to reflect on what he brought to the sport. His achievements serve as a reminder of the fragility of life in horse racing, where both glory and tragedy can arise without warning.
