Owner Audrey Turley offered an emotional farewell to Galopin Des Champs after the decision to retire the celebrated chaser was announced on Thursday. The ten‑year‑old gelding, trained by the legendary Willie Mullins, will be remembered as one of the most beloved National Hunt performers of the modern era. His résumé boasts twelve Grade One triumphs, highlighted by consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cup victories in 2023 and 2024, and a remarkable three‑peat in the Irish Gold Cup from 2023 through 2025. Galopin Des Champs’ final race came in February when he finished third in his bid for a fourth Irish Gold Cup.
That effort turned out to be his swan song; a subsequent setback forced his connections to withdraw him from a hoped‑for sixth appearance at the Cheltenham Festival in March, sealing his retirement. Over the course of his career, the black gelding amassed fifteen wins from twenty‑six starts, a record that reflects both his durability and class. Turley, who co‑owns the horse with her husband Greg, said the memories they have created together will last a lifetime. "We've had the best time of our lives, we really have," she told the Press Association.
"We never imagined it would happen to us. It's been an absolutely wonderful ride." When pressed to single out a defining moment, Turley found it impossible to choose just one. "Three Irish Gold Cups and the two at Cheltenham – it’s hard to pick out one.
Every time it was a wonderful surprise, it was just magnificent," she said. She later added, "If I had to name a day, the first Cheltenham Gold Cup stands out – it felt like something out of a dream, the joy it brought was indescribable.
The other unforgettable day was at Leopardstown when he secured his third Irish Gold Cup. The crowd was chanting 'ole, ole, ole' and it gave me goosebumps." Fans continue to express their affection for the former champion across social media platforms. "People love him and we still have people coming up on Instagram and TikTok saying, 'we miss him, we miss him'. He was so well loved and deserved to be loved, he was just wonderful," Turley noted.
She described Galopin Des Champs as an unassuming character who seemed to relish every moment in the spotlight. "Everybody took to him, and he was an unassuming character really when you think of it, but he just loved it – I think he enjoyed every bit of it himself." Looking ahead, Turley revealed that Galopin Des Champs may embark on a second career in the equestrian world. "He's actually gone over to Ruby Walsh's family and his daughter Isabelle is going to see what he does in that arena, so we'll see if something happens out of that. They'll retrain him and see what happens.
If he likes it he can do it, if he doesn't we'll have another plan – it's all about him, whatever he wants to do," she explained. At eleven years old next year, the former champion still looks fit and healthy, offering optimism that he could thrive in a new discipline such as eventing or show jumping. Although the Turleys will no longer see Galopin Des Champs wearing their yellow and brown silks, they remain optimistic about the future of their stable.
They point to King Rasko Grey, the horse that delivered another Cheltenham Festival victory in last season’s Turners Novices' Hurdle, as a promising prospect. "King Rasko Grey has just come back in from the summer and is looking fantastic, so we have high hopes for him," Turley said. "He did so well at Cheltenham, obviously, and he's looking like a good horse. He has very big boots to fill, but we won’t have another Galopin – he's one of a kind, a diamond.
We'll enjoy whatever happens." Galopin Des Champs’ legacy extends beyond his impressive tally of Grade One wins. His charismatic personality, consistency at the highest level, and ability to capture the imagination of racing fans have cemented his status as a modern legend. The decision to retire him was driven by a desire to protect his welfare after a minor injury threatened his ability to compete at Cheltenham, a venue that had become synonymous with his greatest achievements.
The racing community has responded with an outpouring of tributes. Former jockeys, trainers, and owners have praised his temperament and versatility, noting that he could handle a range of distances and ground conditions with equal aplomb. His performances in the 2023 and 2024 Cheltenham Gold Cups are frequently cited as textbook examples of how a top‑class chaser should race – staying on the pace, accelerating decisively on the final bend, and showing a turn of foot that left rivals grasping at straws.
Beyond the track, Galopin Des Champs has become a cultural touchstone for younger fans discovering National Hunt racing through platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Clips of his powerful finishes and his distinctive black coat have amassed millions of views, introducing a new generation to the excitement of jump racing. This digital footprint ensures that his influence will endure long after his final stride on a racecourse. In summary, Galopin Des Champs’ retirement marks the end of an era for his owners, his trainer, and the broader racing public.
While his future may involve a new chapter in the equestrian sphere, his achievements on the racecourse – twelve Grade One victories, back‑to‑back Cheltenham Gold Cups, and a historic three‑peat in the Irish Gold Cup – will remain etched in the annals of National Hunt history. The Turleys, along with countless fans, will cherish the memories he created and look forward to watching his next adventure unfold, whether on a show‑jumping arena or simply enjoying a well‑earned retirement.