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 athletes of the modern era. His résumé includes an impressive tally of twelve Grade One victories, highlighted by consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cup triumphs in 2023 and 2024, as well as a remarkable three‑peat in the Irish Gold Cup spanning 2023, 2024 and 2025. Galopin Des Champs’ final race came in February when he finished a respectable third while attempting a fourth Irish Gold Cup win.
That effort turned out to be his swan song, as a subsequent setback forced his connections to withdraw him from a hoped‑for sixth appearance at the Cheltenham Festival in March. Over the course of his career, the black gelding amassed fifteen wins from twenty‑six starts, a record that underscores his consistency at the highest level of jump racing.
Turley, who co‑owns the horse with her husband Greg, reflected on the journey with palpable emotion. "We've had the best time of our lives, we really have," she told the Press Association. "We never imagined we would be blessed with a horse like Galopin Des Champs. It has truly been a wonderful ride." When pressed to identify a single moment that stood out above the rest, Turley found it difficult to choose.
"Three Irish Gold Cups and the two at Cheltenham – it's impossible to pick just one. Each victory felt like a breathtaking surprise, a moment of pure magnificence," she explained.
She later added, "If I had to single out a day, perhaps the first Cheltenham Gold Cup. It was extraordinary, like something out of a dream, and the joy it brought was 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.
The whole scene was unforgettable," Turley said, illustrating how deeply the horse resonated with fans. Fans have echoed that sentiment across social media platforms. "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 observed.
She described the gelding as an unassuming character who seemed to relish every moment on the track, a quality that endeared him to both the racing community and casual observers alike. Looking ahead, Turley hinted at a possible second chapter for Galopin Des Champs in the broader 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 continue; if not, we'll devise another plan. It's all about him and what makes him happy," she explained.
At eleven years old next year, the former champion remains in excellent health, making a transition to a new discipline feasible. While the Turley stable will no longer see Galopin Des Champs wearing their distinctive yellow and brown silks, they remain optimistic about the future prospects in their yard. One such hope is King Rasko Grey, a high‑class runner who delivered a Turners Novices' Hurdle victory at last season’s Cheltenham Festival.
"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 understand we’ll never replace Galopin – he was a one‑of‑a‑kind diamond. We'll enjoy whatever comes next." Galopin Des Champs’ legacy extends beyond his race record. His charismatic presence, consistent performances, and ability to capture the imagination of racing enthusiasts have cemented his status as a modern legend.
As he embarks on a new adventure, whether in a riding school, therapeutic program, or another equestrian pursuit, his fans will continue to follow his journey with the same affection they showed during his racing days. The story of this dual Gold Cup hero serves as a reminder of the profound bond between horse and human, and the enduring impact a remarkable athlete can have on a sport and its community.