Owner Audrey Turley offered a moving 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 performers of the modern era, boasting an impressive tally of twelve Grade One triumphs. Among those victories are back‑to‑back Cheltenham Gold Cups in 2023 and 2024, as well as an unprecedented three‑peat in the Irish Gold Cup from 2023 through 2025.
Galopin Des Champs’ final race attempt came in February when he tried to secure a fourth Irish Gold Cup title. He finished a respectable third, but that proved to be his last start on the track. A subsequent setback in March forced his connections to withdraw him from a hoped‑for sixth appearance at the Cheltenham Festival, sealing his retirement.
Over the course of his career, the black gelding raced 26 times and emerged victorious in 15 of those outings. Turley, who co‑owns the horse with her husband Greg, said the memories they have forged together 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 thought this would happen to us. We've had the most wonderful time." When pressed about a single race that stood out above all the rest, she replied, "Three Irish Gold Cups and the two at Cheltenham, it's hard to pick out one. Every time it was just a wonderful surprise, it was just magnificent." She added, "I don't know if I could say one day, maybe the first Cheltenham Gold Cup as that was just extraordinary – like something out of a dream, the joy it brought.
The other day was in Leopardstown when he won the third Irish Gold Cup. Everybody was singing, 'ole, ole, ole' and that just made the hair stand up on the back of our necks." Turley noted the outpouring of affection from fans on social media, saying, "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.
Everybody did take 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 and that's the way it is – it's all about him, whatever he wants to do. He'll only be 11 next year and he's still looking fantastic," she explained.
While the Turleys will no longer see the black gelding don their distinctive yellow and brown silks, they remain optimistic about the future of their stable. They already have promising talent in King Rasko Grey, the horse that delivered another Cheltenham Festival victory in last season’s Turners Novices’ Hurdle. "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 in 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 it whatever happens." Galopin Des Champs’ legacy extends beyond his record on the racecourse. His charismatic personality, combined with a series of spectacular performances on the biggest stages, captured the imagination of casual fans and seasoned punters alike. The back‑to‑back Gold Cup wins at Cheltenham placed him in an elite group of horses that have conquered the sport’s most demanding test in consecutive years, a feat that had not been achieved since the legendary Kauto Star in the early 2000s.
His three Irish Gold Cup victories further cemented his status as a true champion, demonstrating his versatility across different courses and conditions. Each win was accompanied by a wave of excitement from the crowd, with chants of "Ole, ole, ole" echoing through Leopardstown as he crossed the finish line for the third time. Those moments have become part of racing folklore, replayed in highlight reels and discussed in pundit panels for years to come.
Beyond the accolades, Galopin Des Champs was known for his gentle disposition off the track. Stable staff often described him as calm, approachable, and eager to please – traits that endeared him to everyone who worked with him. This temperament is one reason his owners are confident he will adapt well to a new role, whether that involves show jumping, eventing, or another equestrian discipline under the guidance of Ruby Walsh’s family.
The decision to retire the horse was not taken lightly. After his third-place finish in the February Irish Gold Cup, the connections monitored his recovery closely.
When a minor injury resurfaced in early March, the team prioritized his long‑term welfare over the allure of another Festival appearance. In doing so, they demonstrated a commitment to responsible horse management that is increasingly emphasized within the industry. As the racing community reflects on Galopin Des Champs’ career, his impact is evident in the stories shared by fans, journalists, and fellow trainers.
Articles across major outlets have highlighted his consistency, bravery, and the joy he brought to the sport. Social media platforms are awash with tributes, fan‑made montages, and heartfelt messages expressing gratitude for the moments he provided.
Looking forward, the Turleys’ focus will shift to nurturing their younger horses, with King Rasko Grey positioned as a potential successor in the spotlight. While no newcomer can truly replace Galopin Des Champs, the stable’s depth and the owners’ dedication suggest that the legacy of excellence will continue.
In summary, Galopin Des Champs retires as a true legend of National Hunt racing – a horse whose record‑breaking achievements, affable nature, and widespread popularity have left an indelible mark on the sport. His future in the equestrian arena remains an exciting prospect, and his supporters will undoubtedly follow his next chapter with the same enthusiasm they showed throughout his racing days.