Owner Audrey Turley offered an emotional homage to Galopin Des Champs after the celebrated chaser’s retirement was officially 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 athletes of the modern era. His résumé boasts twelve Grade One triumphs, highlighted by back‑to‑back victories in the Cheltenham Gold Cup 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 came in February when he finished third while attempting a fourth Irish Gold Cup win. That effort 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.
Over the course of his career he amassed fifteen wins from twenty‑six starts, a record that cements his status among the greats of jump racing. Turley, who co‑owned the black gelding with her husband Greg, reflected on the extraordinary journey they shared.
"We've had the best time of our lives, we really have," she told the Press Association. "We never imagined this would happen to us.
It's been the most wonderful experience." When pressed to identify a single race that stood out above the rest, Turley smiled and said, "Three Irish Gold Cups and the two at Cheltenham – it's impossible to pick just one. Each victory felt like a breathtaking surprise, an absolute marvel." She later added, "If I had to single out a day, perhaps the first Cheltenham Gold Cup, because that was simply otherworldly – like stepping out of a dream and feeling an overwhelming joy." She also recalled the electric atmosphere at Leopardstown when Galopin Des Champs secured his third Irish Gold Cup. "The crowd was chanting ‘olé, olé, olé,’ and it gave us goose‑bumps," she recalled, describing how the roar of the fans seemed to lift the horse’s spirit as much as it lifted theirs.
Fans worldwide have continued to express their affection for the former champion. Turley noted, "People still message us on Instagram and TikTok saying, ‘We miss him, we miss him.’ He was adored, and he deserved that love – he was simply wonderful." Beyond the accolades, Turley emphasized the horse’s modest personality.
"He was an unassuming character, really. He just loved being out there, and I think he enjoyed every moment himself," she said, underscoring the genuine connection between horse and owner. Looking ahead, Turley revealed that Galopin Des Champs may embark on a second career in the equestrian world.
"He's now with Ruby Walsh’s family, and his daughter Isabelle will assess what he can do in that arena. They'll retrain him and see what happens.
If he likes it, he'll continue; if not, we’ll find another plan. It’s all about him and what he wants," Turley explained. At eleven years old next year, the former champion remains in excellent health and condition. Although Galopin Des Champs will no longer don the Turleys’ yellow and brown silks, the stable has promising prospects on the horizon.
One such horse is King Rasko Grey, who delivered another Cheltenham Festival victory in last season’s Turners Novices’ Hurdle. "King Rasko Grey has just returned from the summer and looks fantastic. We have high hopes for him," Turley said.
"He performed brilliantly at Cheltenham and shows great potential. He has big boots to fill, but we know we’ll never have another Galopin – he’s a one‑of‑a‑kind diamond.
We’ll enjoy whatever comes next." Galopin Des Champs’ retirement marks the end of an era, yet his legacy will endure through the memories of his spectacular wins, the affection of his fans, and the new chapters he may yet write in a different discipline. The racing community, from casual followers on social media to seasoned professionals, will continue to celebrate his contributions to the sport for years to come.