Galopin Des Champs returns to form in Punchestown Gold Cup
Paul Townend steered home the superstar to bounce back from Cheltenham disappointment
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Galopin Des Champs was greeted by a rapturous reception after winning the Punchestown Gold Cup
Galopin Des Champs returned to winning ways in style with a dominant success in the Punchestown Gold Cup.
Having been beaten in his bid to complete a Cheltenham Gold Cup hat-trick in March, the nine-year-old looked back to his best in cruising home by 22 lengths in a four-strong field.
In scenes reminiscent of his Dublin Racing Festival win at Leopardstown in February, crowds flocked to the parade ring to see the superstar return and winning jockey Paul Townend lapped up the acclaim.
“Obviously we were very disappointed coming away from Cheltenham but the reception he gets is special,” he said.
“We are just lucky to be a part of it, he’s a unique horse.
“He got into a good rhythm and enjoyed it. He was taking me today whereas I was forcing it and trying to hang in there in Cheltenham. He wasn’t right there but thankfully it didn’t leave a huge mark on him.
“He got me out of trouble at the last, I won’t lie. But he’s all class. He means a lot to me.”
Galopin Des Champs led from the outset in the day two Punchestown Festival showpiece and was rarely threatened by those around him.
Spillane’s Tower’s challenge was hampered by a mistake three from home but he recovered to finish second, though he, Monty’s Star and Banbridge were left trailing in the champion’s wake.
It marks a first win in the race for Willie Mullins’ stable star, who has been beaten by Fastorslow in each of the past two years.
Victorious owner Audrey Turley said: “We are absolutely thrilled and relieved. He has done so well all se has just been spectacular again, he is just a wonderful horse.
“He seems to have a unique personality and everyone seems to love him. He’s a very gentle horse and he gives so much, you can’t help but love him.
“We pinch ourselves every day, we really do. How he landed in our laps, who knows, but we are very glad he did.”
Galopin’s victory was part of a Grade 1 treble for Mullins on the day, all of which were ridden by Townends.
Paul led Jasmin De Vaux home in the Channor Real Estate Group Novice Hurdle before sister Jody sparked delight for the O’Connell Morgan Syndicate on board Bambino Fever, who backed up Cheltenham Festival success with a win in the Race And Stay Champion INH Flat Race.