Owner Audrey Turley offered a moving tribute to Galopin Des Champs after the celebrated chaser’s retirement was officially confirmed on Thursday. The 10‑year‑old gelding, trained by the legendary Willie Mullins, will be remembered as one of the most beloved National Hunt horses of the modern era.
His record boasts twelve Grade One victories, highlighted by back‑to‑back Cheltenham Gold Cup triumphs in 2023 and 2024 and 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 last start. A subsequent setback forced his connections to withdraw him from a planned 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 underscores his consistency at the highest level.
Turley, who co‑owned the black gelding with her husband Greg, said the memories they have created together will last a lifetime. Speaking to the Press Association, Turley said, "We've had the best time of our lives, we really have. We never imagined this could happen to us.
It's been an absolutely wonderful journey." When pressed about a single moment that stood out above the rest, she replied, "Three Irish Gold Cups and the two at Cheltenham – it’s impossible to pick just one. Every victory felt like a marvelous surprise, a truly magnificent experience." She continued, "If I had to choose, the first Cheltenham Gold Cup would probably be the most extraordinary – it felt like something out of a dream, the sheer joy it brought was indescribable. The other unforgettable day was in Leopardstown when he secured his third Irish Gold Cup. The crowd erupted, chanting 'olé, olé, olé,' and it gave us all goose‑bumps." Turley emphasized the affection fans still hold for the horse, noting that messages continue to pour in on Instagram and TikTok: "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 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 within the equestrian world. "He’s actually gone over to Ruby Walsh’s family, and his daughter Isabelle will see what he can do in that arena. They’ll retrain him and see what happens.
If he enjoys it, great; if not, we’ll find another plan. It’s all about him and what he wants to do," she explained. At eleven next year, the former champion remains in excellent health and physical condition.
While the Turleys will no longer see Galopin Des Champs wearing their 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 last season’s Turners Novices’ Hurdle. "King Rasko Grey has just come back from the summer and looks fantastic.
He performed brilliantly at Cheltenham and 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," Turley added. Galopin Des Champs’ legacy extends beyond his race record. His charismatic presence, consistency across multiple seasons, and the emotional connection he forged with fans have cemented his status as a modern legend in National Hunt racing.
The horse’s ability to win at the highest level year after year, especially in the demanding two‑mile, three‑mile, and four‑mile contests that define the Gold Cup series, showcases a rare blend of stamina, speed, and tactical versatility. The decision to retire him was not taken lightly. After the third‑place finish in the Irish Gold Cup, the team monitored his recovery closely.
When a minor injury surfaced during training, the risk of aggravating the issue outweighed the potential reward of a further festival run. In a sport where the welfare of the animal is paramount, the owners chose to prioritize his long‑term health over short‑term glory.
Fans worldwide have expressed their gratitude for the moments Galopin Des Champs gave them: the thunderous finish at Cheltenham, the dramatic surge at Leopardstown, and the quiet confidence he displayed in every race. Social media platforms have been flooded with tributes, highlight reels, and personal anecdotes from spectators who recall the thrill of watching him navigate the fences with effortless grace. Looking forward, the equestrian community will watch closely as Ruby Walsh’s family assesses the former champion’s aptitude for new disciplines, whether it be show jumping, eventing, or another discipline that suits his athleticism. The transition from racehorse to sport horse is a path taken by several retired champions, and Galopin Des Champs’ size, temperament, and experience suggest he could excel in a new arena.
In summary, Galopin Des Champs’ retirement marks the end of an era for National Hunt racing, but his story is far from over. His achievements on the track, the affection of his owners, and the adoration of fans ensure his name will be spoken with reverence for generations to come.
The Turleys, alongside the wider racing community, will continue to celebrate his contributions while looking ahead to the next chapter in his remarkable life.