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 athletes of the modern era, boasting an impressive tally of twelve Grade One victories. His résumé includes consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cup triumphs in 2023 and 2024, as well as an unprecedented three‑peat in the Irish Gold Cup from 2023 through 2025. The champion’s final attempt at a fourth Irish Gold Cup in February ended with a third‑place finish, a race that turned out to be his swan song.
A subsequent setback forced his connections to withdraw him from what would have been a sixth appearance at the Cheltenham Festival in March, sealing his retirement. Across his career, Galopin Des Champs won 15 of his 26 starts, a strike rate that underscores his dominance on the jumps circuit. Turley, who co‑owns the black gelding with her husband Greg, says the memories forged with the horse will stay with her forever. 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 absolutely wonderful." When pressed to single out a particular day, she admitted it was impossible to choose just one, noting, "Three Irish Gold Cups and the two at Cheltenham – every victory felt like a breathtaking surprise, each one magnificent in its own right." She added, "If I had to pick a moment, perhaps the first Cheltenham Gold Cup. It was otherworldly – like something out of a dream, the sheer joy it brought was indescribable.
The other unforgettable day was at Leopardstown when he clinched his third Irish Gold Cup. The crowd erupted, chanting 'ole, ole, ole,' and it sent a shiver down our spines." Turley highlighted the outpouring of affection the horse continues to receive on social media, saying, "People love him.
We still get messages on Instagram and TikTok saying, 'We miss him, we miss him.' He was so adored and truly deserved that love – he was simply wonderful. Everyone took to him, and despite his unassuming nature, he seemed to relish every moment on the track." 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 will see what he does in that arena.
They'll retrain him and see what happens. If he enjoys it, great; if not, we'll devise another plan. It's all about what he wants," she explained.
At eleven years old next year, the former champion remains in excellent condition. 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 returned from the summer and looks fantastic. He performed brilliantly at Cheltenham and has huge potential. He has big boots to fill, but we know we’ll never have another Galopin – he’s a one‑of‑a‑kind diamond. Whatever happens, we’ll enjoy the ride," Turley concluded.
The retirement of Galopin Des Champs marks the end of an era for National Hunt racing, yet his legacy will endure through his record‑breaking achievements, the affection of fans worldwide, and the new chapters he may write in the equestrian sphere. His story serves as a reminder of the extraordinary bond between horse and owner, and the timeless allure of the sport that celebrates such remarkable talent.