Owner Audrey Turley offered an emotional farewell to the celebrated chaser Galopin Des Champs after the decision to retire the horse was 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. Over the course of his career he amassed twelve Grade One victories, highlighted by back‑to‑back triumphs in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2023 and 2024, as well as a remarkable three‑peat in the Irish Gold Cup from 2023 through 2025. His final attempt to secure a fourth Irish Gold Cup in February ended in a third‑place finish, and that race turned out to be his last appearance on the track.
A subsequent setback forced his connections to withdraw him from a hoped‑for sixth run at the Cheltenham Festival in March, sealing his retirement. In total, Galopin Des Champs won fifteen of his twenty‑six starts, a record that underscores his consistency at the highest level. Turley, who co‑owns the black gelding with her husband Greg, said the memories they have forged will endure for a lifetime. Speaking to the Press Association, Turley said, "We've had the best time of our lives, we really have.
We never imagined this would happen to us; it's been an absolutely wonderful journey." When pressed to name a single standout moment, she replied, "Three Irish Gold Cups and the two at Cheltenham – it's impossible to pick just one. Each victory felt like a magical surprise, simply magnificent." She added, "If I had to choose, the first Cheltenham Gold Cup would be the one – it was otherworldly, like something out of a dream, and the joy it brought was indescribable. The other unforgettable day was in Leopardstown when he clinched his third Irish Gold Cup.
The crowd erupted, chanting 'ole, ole, ole,' and it sent shivers down our spines." Turley noted the outpouring of affection from fans on social media, saying, "People still send us messages on Instagram and TikTok saying, 'We miss him, we miss him.' He was adored and he deserved that love – he was simply wonderful. Everyone took to him immediately; he was an unassuming character who seemed to relish every moment on the racecourse." Looking ahead, Turley revealed that Galopin Des Champs may embark on a second career outside of racing. "He's now with Ruby Walsh's family, and his daughter Isabelle will assess how he adapts to a new discipline.
They'll retrain him and see what happens. If he enjoys it, he'll continue; if not, we'll consider other options.
It's all about what he wants," she explained. At eleven years old next year, the former champion remains in excellent physical condition.
Turley emphasized that while the Turley silks will no longer be seen on Galopin Des Champs, the stable still has promising talent to nurture. She highlighted King Rasko Grey, who delivered another Cheltenham Festival victory in the Turners Novices' Hurdle last season, as a horse to watch. "King Rasko Grey has just returned from the summer break and looks fantastic.
We have high hopes for him. He performed brilliantly at Cheltenham and shows great potential.
He has big shoes to fill, but we know we will never have another Galopin – he was a one‑of‑a‑kind diamond. We'll enjoy whatever the future brings," Turley concluded. The retirement of Galopin Des Champs marks the end of an era for National Hunt racing, but his legacy will endure through his record‑breaking achievements, the affection of his fans, and the possibility of a new chapter in the equestrian world.
The racing community wishes him health and happiness in whatever pursuits lie ahead.