Galopin Des Champs retains Cheltenham Gold Cup crown

Updated Mar. 15, 2024 12:58 p.m. ET

Associated Press

CHELTENHAM, England (AP) — Galopin Des Champs successfully defended his Cheltenham Gold Cup crown in another victory for top Irish trainer Willie Mullins on Friday.

Under jockey Paul Townend, the 10-11 favorite Galopin Des Champs drew into the lead at the second-to-last fence and galloped powerfully up the hill in front of Gerri Colombe with Corach Rambler third.

Mullins and Townend combined for their fourth Gold Cup victory following Al Boum Photo's back-to-back triumphs in 2019 and 2020 and Galopin Des Champs’ win over Bravemansgame a year ago at the prestigious horse racing jumps meeting.

L’Homme Presse and Gerri Colombe couldn’t last with Galopin Des Champs approaching the last fence with a clear advantage before finishing three-and-a-half lengths clear of Gordon Elliott-trained Gerri Colombe.

Galopin Des Champs’ closest rival was the loose Fastorslow, who lost his rider at the seventh-to-last fence.

“I just think he put himself in the superstar category, to do what he did the way that he did it — that loose horse there — and Paul was just so positive on him,” Mullins told ITV.

“The loose horse was the only concern. Paul was in the position that he wanted to be in. He just seemed to be traveling easy on him all the time.”

The Irishman secured a milestone 100th Cheltenham win this week. He's eyeing three in a row for Galopin Des Champs.

“I'd have to say we're coming back next year, try and win a third one if we can. He has the ability to do it,” Mullins said.

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