Owner Audrey Turley offered an emotional homage to Galopin Des Champs after the celebrated chaser’s retirement was officially confirmed on Thursday. The ten‑year‑old gelding, trained by the legendary Willie Mullins, will be remembered as one of the most beloved National Hunt stars of the modern era. His résumé boasts twelve Grade One triumphs, highlighted by back‑to‑back victories in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2023 and 2024, as well as an unprecedented three‑peat in the Irish Gold Cup from 2023 through 2025. Galopin Des Champs’ final run came in February when he finished third in his bid for a fourth Irish Gold Cup.
That race turned out to be his swan song, as a subsequent setback forced his connections to withdraw him from a planned sixth appearance at the Cheltenham Festival in March. Over the course of his career he amassed fifteen wins from twenty‑six starts, a record that places him among the elite of jump racing.
Turley, who co‑owned the black gelding with her husband Greg, said the memories they forged together will last a lifetime. Speaking to the Press Association, Turley said, "We've had the best time of our lives, we really have.
We never imagined it would happen to us, but the experience has been nothing short of magical." When pressed to name a single day that stood out above the rest, she replied, "Three Irish Gold Cups and the two at Cheltenham – it's impossible to pick just one. Each of those moments felt like a wonderful surprise, a sheer marvel." She continued, "If I had to single out one, perhaps the first Cheltenham Gold Cup. That victory was extraordinary – it felt like something out of a dream, the joy it brought was indescribable.
The other unforgettable occasion was at Leopardstown when he secured his third Irish Gold Cup. The crowd erupted, chanting 'ole, ole, ole,' and it sent a thrill right up the spine." Turley noted the outpouring of affection from fans, adding, "People still message us on Instagram and TikTok saying, 'We miss him, we miss him.' He was adored by everyone and truly deserved that love.
He was a modest character at heart, but he seemed to relish every minute of his racing career." Looking ahead, Turley revealed that Galopin Des Champs may embark on a second chapter in the equestrian world. "He's actually been transferred to Ruby Walsh's family, and his daughter Isabelle will assess his aptitude for a new discipline.
They'll retrain him and see what develops. If he enjoys it, great – if not, we'll explore other options. It's all about his happiness," she explained. At eleven years old next year, the former champion remains in excellent physical condition, making a successful transition plausible.
While the Turleys will no longer see the yellow and brown silks on the track, they have promising prospects in their stable. One such horse is King Rasko Grey, who delivered another Cheltenham Festival win in the Turners Novices' Hurdle last season.
"King Rasko Grey has just returned from his summer break and looks fantastic. We have high hopes for him. He performed brilliantly at Cheltenham and shows great potential.
He has big boots to fill, but we know we’ll never replace Galopin – he was a one‑of‑a‑kind diamond. We'll enjoy whatever comes next," Turley concluded. Galopin Des Champs' legacy extends beyond his trophy cabinet. His consistency at the highest level, his charismatic presence, and his ability to connect with fans have cemented his status as a modern racing icon.
The dual Gold Cup victories placed him in an exclusive club of horses that have dominated both the Irish and British championship scenes simultaneously. Moreover, his three consecutive Irish Gold Cups demonstrated an unrivaled dominance over a classic distance that few have matched. The decision to retire the gelding was not taken lightly.
After his third-place finish in February, veterinary examinations identified a minor but significant issue that could jeopardize his long‑term welfare if he continued to race at the top level. Mullins, Turley, and the broader team agreed that preserving the horse’s health and quality of life was paramount.
This responsible approach reflects a growing trend in the sport to prioritize equine welfare over short‑term accolades. Fans worldwide have taken to social media to celebrate his career, sharing highlights, personal anecdotes, and heartfelt tributes.
The outpouring of admiration underscores how a racehorse can transcend sport to become a cultural touchstone. In the weeks ahead, Sky Sports Racing and other outlets will likely feature retrospectives, interviews, and archival footage, ensuring that new generations of racing enthusiasts can appreciate Galopin Des Champs' remarkable journey. Looking forward, the Turleys' focus will shift to nurturing their younger talent, with King Rasko Grey at the forefront. They hope to build on the momentum generated by Galopin Des Champs' success, aiming for future victories at major festivals.
The transition will be challenging, as expectations are high, but the owners remain optimistic, drawing inspiration from the champion's work ethic and spirit. In summary, Galopin Des Champs' retirement marks the end of an era in National Hunt racing. His record of twelve Grade One wins, dual Cheltenham Gold Cups, and an unprecedented trio of Irish Gold Cups will be remembered for years to come. Audrey Turley's heartfelt reflections capture the joy, gratitude, and bittersweet emotions that accompany the conclusion of a storied career.
As the horse moves toward a new life beyond the racecourse—potentially under the guidance of Ruby Walsh's family—fans can look forward to seeing his grace and intelligence shine in a different arena, while the Turleys continue to chase new triumphs with the next generation of equine stars.