Elle
May 6th 2025
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Galopin Des Champs came back blazing in great winning form when he landed the Gold Cup 2025. Following an unsuccessful attempt in his quest for a third consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cup 2025 in March, the nine-year-old now demonstrated his mettle by finishing 22 lengths ahead of his three other rivals in a high-profile four-horse field. This has shown considerable improvement; he looked back to his best as he gobbled up the yards to take the lead at Punchestown.
Froggy is exceptional. Galopin Des Champs was returning back to winning form after a long layoff, and this performance at Punchestown would have been enough to put him well in front in the Gold Cup 2025. The nine-year-old athlete showed class to push his way 22 lengths clear of his two competitors in what was essentially an exhibition throughout. It simply brought to light the marked improvement with the horse looking back to its the best when it blew up to the front at Punchestown.
By returning to winning ways, Galopin Des Champs clinched the Punchestown Gold Cup. After being stopped in his tracks when vying for a Cheltenham Gold Cup 2025 hat-trick in March, the nine-year-old showed a positive sign of resurgence by coming 22 lengths clear of his closest rivals in a four-horse contest. It clearly demonstrated a definite improvement, with the horse looking back to its very best when it charged to the front at Punchestown.
From the very beginning in the expert hands of Paul Townend, Galopin Des Champs sliced through every challenge to emerge victorious in the Gold Cup 2025 at the Punchestown Festival, truly the highlight of the Festival. This was a replica of his Leopardstown victory during the Dublin Racing Festival held in February; the win would come as a relief to Mullins, who faced a tough season with his star.
Jockey Paul Townend spoke with a mix of pride and relief following the race. “Obviously we were very disappointed coming away from Cheltenham, but the reception he gets is special,” he said. Reflecting on Gold Cup 2025 finding his rhythm at Punchestown and looking much different from when he struggled at Cheltenham on Townend says, “We are just lucky to be a part of it; he’s a unique horse.”. “He was taking me today, whereas I was forcing it and trying to hang in there in Cheltenham,” Townend explained. “He wasn’t right there but thankfully it didn’t leave a huge mark on him.”
The jockey also admitted that Galopin Des Champs had given him a helping hand in the final stages of the race, stating, “He got me out of trouble at the last, I won’t lie. But he’s all class. He means a lot to me.”
From the outset of the race, Galopin Des Champs maintained a steady pace, rarely threatened by his opponents. Spillane’s Tower, who had been competitive up until a mistake at the third-last fence, finished second. Monty’s Star and Banbridge were hardly aware as Gold Cup 2025 produced his momentous stride and broke away, leaving rivals gasping for breath.
On this day, that was deeply desired by the big team around Galopin Des Champs, this was such a glorious feat at the Gold Cup 2025. In recent years, the horse had been defeated by Fastorslow in this race, so this win was particularly meaningful. It was evident from the outcome that Galopin des Champs had come out completely from his prior misfortunes and obviously seemed ready to compete once again at the highest level.
While Spillane’s Tower made an admirable effort to challenge, his chances were significantly impacted by the error three from home. Despite this, he showed resilience, securing second place. Monty’s Star and Banbridge found themselves trailing far behind the winner, unable to mount a serious challenge.
Owner Audrey Turley expressed her excitement and relief following the victory. She praised Gold Cup 2025 not only for his racing ability but also for his unique personality. “We are absolutely thrilled and relieved. He has done so well and has just been spectacular again, he is just a wonderful horse,” Turley said. She further added that Galopin Des Champs is gently tempered and loved by everyone associated with him. “He seems to have a very different character, and everybody seems to love him. Very gentle and giving so much, you can’t help but love the guy.”
Turley also reflected on how fortunate they are to have the horse. “We really pinch ourselves each day,” she added. How he came to be in our laps, we do not know, but we are very glad he did. Her statements elaborated on the affinity that has created between the horse and its owners. His ability to mingle with those surrounding him makes Galopin Des Champs an icon in the racing world.
An additional feather in the cup of Galopin Des Champs is the Punchestown Gold Cup against the odds. The season did take its toll on him, yet the return back to top form was dazzling. All the work he put into it and his jockey’s perseverance to fight through all odds are evidence of his unyielding and determined spirit, which only ever pushes him further into contention for big prizes in the sport. With the season moving on, no doubt Gold Cup 2025 will continue being a horse worth watching; and one hopes that his connections will be wishing this success in the Punchestown Gold Cup will mark a start to his galloping run in races coming up.
A very special moment for all connected to Gold Cup 2025 was the Punchestown Gold Cup victory, showcasing a horse with a great deal of talent and a trainer, jockey, and owners with dedication. What next can this extraordinary horse expect as the racing season unfolds?