Owner Audrey Turley offered an emotional farewell to Galopin Des Champs after the celebrated chaser’s retirement was officially confirmed on Thursday. The ten‑year‑old, 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 back‑to‑back Cheltenham Gold Cup triumphs in 2023 and 2024, as well as a remarkable 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 result that turned out to be his last race.
A subsequent setback forced his connections to withdraw him from a potential sixth start at the Cheltenham Festival in March, sealing his retirement. Over the course of his career, Galopin Des Champs won fifteen of his twenty‑six starts.
Turley, who co‑owned the black gelding with her husband Greg, said the memories they have created together will stay with them forever. Speaking to the Press Association, Turley said, "We've had the best time of our lives, we really have. We never thought this would happen to us.
We've had the most wonderful time." When pressed to identify a single standout moment, she replied, "Three Irish Gold Cups and the two at Cheltenham, it's hard to pick out one. Every time it was just a wonderful surprise, it was just magnificent." She added, "I don't know if I could say one day, maybe the first Cheltenham Gold Cup as that was just extraordinary – like something out of a dream, the joy it brought. The other day was in Leopardstown when he won the third Irish Gold Cup. Everybody was singing, 'ole, ole, ole' and that just made the hair stand up on the back of our necks." Turley noted the outpouring of affection from fans on social media: "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. Everybody did take to him and he was an unassuming character really when you think of it, but he just loved it – I think he enjoyed every bit of it himself." 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 is going to see what he does in that arena, so we'll see if something happens out of that. They'll retrain him and see what happens.
If he likes it he can do it, if he doesn't we'll have another plan and that's the way it is – it's all about him, whatever he wants to do. He'll only be 11 next year and he's still looking fantastic," she explained.
Although the Turleys will no longer see the gelding wearing their distinctive yellow and brown silks, they remain optimistic about the future of their stable. They highlighted King Rasko Grey, the horse that delivered another Cheltenham Festival victory in the Turners Novices' Hurdle last season, as a promising prospect. "King Rasko Grey has just come back in from the summer and is looking fantastic, so we have high hopes for him. He did so well in Cheltenham obviously and he's looking like a good horse.
He has very big boots to fill, but we won't have another Galopin – he's one of a kind, a diamond. We'll enjoy it whatever happens," Turley concluded. Galopin Des Champs' legacy extends beyond his race record. His charismatic personality, combined with a series of unforgettable performances on the biggest stages, captured the imagination of racing enthusiasts worldwide.
From the thunderous roar of Cheltenham’s crowds to the jubilant chants echoing through Leopardstown, his victories created moments that will be replayed in highlight reels for years to come. The decision to retire the champion was not taken lightly.
After the third‑place finish in the Irish Gold Cup, the connections monitored his health closely. When a minor injury emerged during training, the team opted for caution, withdrawing him from the Cheltenham Festival to avoid risking a more serious setback.
In hindsight, the choice preserved his well‑being and opened the door to a new chapter beyond the racecourse. Fans continue to celebrate his achievements across platforms, sharing photos, videos, and personal anecdotes that illustrate the profound impact he had on the sport.
The outpouring of affection underscores the unique bond between a top‑class racehorse and the public, a bond that transcended mere statistics. As Galopin Des Champs transitions to a potential new role under Ruby Walsh’s guidance, the racing community watches with anticipation. Whether he becomes a show‑jumping star, a dressage participant, or simply enjoys a leisurely retirement, his story serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of athletic glory and the enduring love that fans hold for their equine heroes.