Two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs has died, just five days after trainer Willie Mullins announced his retirement from racing.
The 10-year-old suffered a fatal injury in an accident in a field, having been set to begin a new career in eventing under the guidance of Isabelle Walsh, daughter of former champion jockey Ruby Walsh.
Walsh paid tribute to the horse, saying:
“He was a fabulous horse whose short time with us has left lots of broken hearts.”
Trainer Willie Mullins also expressed his heartbreak following the news.
“It is heartbreaking for all connected with the horse.”
Galopin Des Champs enjoyed a remarkable career under Mullins, winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2023 and 2024 and establishing himself as one of the outstanding National Hunt horses of his generation.
When announcing the horse’s retirement last week, Mullins spoke warmly about what Galopin Des Champs had meant to everyone involved with him.
“We were lucky to have him. He was enjoyed by his fans as he had a great following.”
Mullins also paid tribute to owners Greg and Audrey Turley and groom Adam Connolly, who cared for the horse throughout his racing career.
“He gave everyone who had anything to do with him a great time and he’ll be hard to replace.”
The trainer had been looking forward to Galopin Des Champs beginning a second career, believing his love of jumping and temperament would make him ideally suited to eventing.
“He was a tough horse who took his racing well and it’s very rare to get a horse like that. He had a fantastic career.”
The news has added particular poignancy locally, with Mullins having strong links to the area. The legendary trainer is from Goresbridge in County Kilkenny, while his famous Closutton training operation is based near Bagenalstown in County Carlow.
Galopin Des Champs’ death comes just days after what was supposed to be the beginning of the next chapter in the career of a horse who gave racing fans some unforgettable moments at Cheltenham.
