Owner Audrey Turley offered an emotional farewell 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 stars of the modern era. His résumé boasts twelve Grade One triumphs, highlighted by consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cup victories 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 in a third‑place finish, and that race 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. Over the course of his career, Galopin Des Champs won 15 of his 26 starts, a strike rate that places him among the elite.
Turley, who co‑owns the black gelding with her husband Greg, reflected on the unforgettable moments the horse has given them. "We've had the best time of our lives, we really have," she told the Press Association. "We never imagined this could happen to us.
It's been an absolutely wonderful journey." When pressed to single out a particular day that stood out above the rest, Turley found it impossible to choose. "Three Irish Gold Cups and the two at Cheltenham – it’s hard to pick just one.
Every win felt like a magnificent surprise, a moment of pure joy," she said. She later added, "If I had to name a day, perhaps the first Cheltenham Gold Cup – that was extraordinary, like something out of a dream. The sheer happiness it brought is indescribable." She also recalled the electric atmosphere at Leopardstown when Galopin Des Champs secured his third Irish Gold Cup. "The crowd was chanting, ‘ole, ole, ole,’ and it gave me goosebumps.
It was a moment that still makes my hair stand on end," Turley remembered. Fans worldwide have echoed the sentiment, flooding Instagram and TikTok with messages of longing.
"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. The horse’s humble demeanor only added to his charm. "Everybody took to him, and he was an unassuming character.
He seemed to enjoy every second of it," she observed. 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 likes it, he’ll do it; if not, we’ll have another plan. It’s all about him and what he wants," she explained.
At eleven years old next year, the former champion remains in excellent health and is poised for whatever new adventure lies ahead. Although the Turleys will no longer see Galopin Des Champs wearing their distinctive yellow and brown silks, they remain optimistic about the future of their stable. One promising prospect is King Rasko Grey, who delivered another Cheltenham Festival victory in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle last season.
"King Rasko Grey has just come back from the summer and looks fantastic. He performed brilliantly at Cheltenham, and we have high hopes for him," Turley said. "He has big boots to fill, but we won’t have another Galopin – he’s a one‑of‑a‑kind diamond. We’ll enjoy whatever comes next." The retirement of Galopin Des Champs marks the end of an era for National Hunt racing, yet his legacy will endure through his remarkable record, the affection of fans, and the potential new chapters awaiting him in the equestrian sphere.
His story serves as a reminder of the extraordinary bond between horse and owner, the thrill of top‑level competition, and the lasting impact a true champion can have on a sport and its supporters.