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 Willie Mullins, will be remembered as one of the most beloved National Hunt stars of the modern era. His record boasts twelve Grade One victories, highlighted by consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cup triumphs 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 attempt to secure a fourth Irish Gold Cup. That performance 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 contested 26 starts, winning 15 of them, a testament to his consistency at the highest level.
Audrey Turley, who co‑owns the black gelding with her husband Greg, said the partnership has given her "the best time of our lives." She told the Press Association, "We never imagined we’d experience something like this. It’s been an absolutely wonderful journey." When pressed about which day stands out most, Turley smiled and replied, "Choosing just one is impossible – three Irish Gold Cups and the two Cheltenham victories are all unforgettable. Every win felt like a surprise gift, pure magic." She added a personal favourite: "The first Cheltenham Gold Cup win was like stepping into a dream – the joy was indescribable.
And the night we clinched the third Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown, the crowd was chanting ‘ole, ole, ole,’ and it gave me goose‑bumps." Fans continue to express their affection online. Turley noted, "People still message us on Instagram and TikTok saying they miss him.
He was genuinely loved, and he deserved that love – he was a wonderful horse." Beyond his racing brilliance, Galopin Des Champs is praised for his humble temperament. "He was unassuming, yet he thrived on the sport.
I think he enjoyed every moment," Turley reflected. Looking ahead, the retired star may embark on a second career in the equestrian world.
Turley revealed that the gelding has been transferred to the family of former champion jockey Ruby Walsh. "Ruby’s daughter Isabelle will assess what he can do in that arena. They’ll retrain him and see where his interests lie.
If he enjoys it, great – if not, we’ll explore other options. It’s all about his happiness." At just eleven years old next year, Galopin Des Champs remains in excellent health. Turley emphasized, "He looks fantastic, and we’ll support whatever path he chooses." While the Turleys will no longer see him wearing their distinctive yellow and brown silks, they have promising prospects on the horizon. One such horse is King Rasko Grey, who delivered another Cheltenham Festival victory in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle last season.
"King Rasko Grey has returned from his summer break looking superb. He performed brilliantly at Cheltenham and has great potential. Of course, he has big shoes to fill – no one can replace Galopin, he’s a one‑of‑a‑kind diamond – but we’re excited for what lies ahead," Turley said.
The retirement of Galopin Des Champs marks the end of an era for the sport, yet his legacy endures through his record‑breaking achievements, the affection of his fans, and the new chapters he may write outside the racetrack. His story will continue to inspire owners, trainers, and racing enthusiasts for years to come.