Cheltenham great Galopin Des Champs dies aged 10
Two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Galopin Des Champs has died from injuries sustained in an accident in field less than a week after being retired by connections.
Two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs passed away at the age of 10 after suffering a fatal injury in his field. Ruby Walsh announced the news, revealing the 10-year-old gelding had sustained an injury to his near front leg that vets deemed unrepairable. Upon discovering the severe damage during morning checks, Walsh rushed to attend to the ailing horse but found no hope of recovery.
Galopin Des Champs, who won two Cheltenham Gold Cups and three Irish Gold Cups, was embarking on a new career with the Walsh family following his retirement from racing last Thursday. Trainer Willie Mullins and owner Audrey Turley described the horse as a beloved figure in the equestrian world, with Galopin Des Champs claiming 12 Grade One victories, including consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cup wins in 2023 and 2024, and a trio of Irish Gold Cups between 2023 and 2025. The gelding earned approximately €2.3 million in prize money throughout his 26 career starts.
Written by urgent.news from RTE News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
