Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup
Grade 1, Leopardstown 15:30
€250,000 guaranteed,
5yo plus,
3m, Class 1   
Saturday 1st February 2025

BetGoodwin

Headlining the 14 entries is the formidable Galopin Des Champs, who bids to make history by becoming the first horse since Florida Pearl to claim three victories in this prestigious Grade 1 contest.

Trained by Willie Mullins, Galopin Des Champs is firmly established as the staying division’s undisputed champion. The nine-year-old has dominated this race for the past two years, using it as a stepping stone to successive triumphs in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Most recently, he reasserted his authority in the Savills Chase over Christmas, where he faced stiff competition from stablemate Fact To File but delivered a commanding performance to underline his class. Installed as the 8-11 favorite by the sponsors, Galopin Des Champs is the horse to beat.

A rising star from the Mullins yard, Fact To File showed great promise in the Savills Chase, finishing a game second to Galopin Des Champs. While he has yet to topple his illustrious stablemate, the six-year-old’s progressive profile suggests he could give the favorite plenty to think about.

Gordon Elliott’s leading hope, Gerri Colombe, has shown top-level staying power in his career. A winner of last season’s William Hill Bowl Chase at Aintree, he has the stamina and ability to be a live contender here.

The 2022 Irish Gold Cup winner, Conflated brings a wealth of experience to the table. If he brings his A-game, he could be a significant threat.

Winner of the Galway Plate, the 2022 American Grand National and the 2023 Ladbrokes King George VI Chase Hewick’s bold, front-running style has made him a fan favorite. While this is a step up in class, his stamina and tenacity could see him surprise the established stars.

Fresh from a win at Tramore, Embassy Gardens is another intriguing Willie Mullins runner. While unproven at this level, his recent form suggests he’s one to watch.

Other notable entries include I Am Maximus, Mullins' Grand National hero looking to make an impact at Grade 1 level; Monty’s Star, representing Henry de Bromhead; and Gentlemansgame, a consistent performer for Mouse Morris. Grangeclare West, Minella Cocooner, and Inothewayurthinkin complete the strong Mullins contingent, while Affordable Fury and Senecia round out the entries.

Race Dynamics

The Irish Gold Cup is often a tactical affair, with stamina, class, and jumping ability tested to their limits over 3 miles. Expect Galopin Des Champs to assert his dominance with his characteristic turn of foot, but the presence of improving rivals like Fact To File and proven warriors like Conflated ensures he won’t have it all his own way.

Prediction

Galopin Des Champs has been a cut above his peers in the staying chase division, and his form suggests he’s on track to claim a historic third victory. However, the improving Fact To File and the experienced Gerri Colombe could pose challenges if the favorite falters.

QuinnBet

Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup (Grade 1)
3m, €250,000 guaranteed
14 entries
Going:

NO. FORM HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY
1 22/15- Affordale Fury 7 11-10 Noel Meade
2 6-U587 Conflated 11 11-10 Gordon Elliott
3 112P-1 Embassy Gardens 9 11-10 W P Mullins
4 111-12 Fact To File 8 11-10 W P Mullins
5 112-31 Galopin Des Champs 9 11-10 W P Mullins
6 1P54-3 Gentlemansgame 9 11-10 M F Morris
7 1221-3 Gerri Colombe 9 11-10 Gordon Elliott
8 /11-P6 Grangeclare West 9 11-10 W P Mullins
9 3-2325 Hewick 10 11-10 Miss Tara Lee Cogan
10 4311-P I Am Maximus 9 11-10 W P Mullins
11 911-75 Inothewayurthinkin 7 11-10 Gavin Cromwell
12 631-58 Minella Cocooner 9 11-10 W P Mullins
13 3122-2 Monty's Star 8 11-10 Henry De Bromhead
14 4PU4U3 Senecia 8 11-10 Vincent Laurence Halley

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