Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup |
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| Grade 1, Leopardstown 15:30 €250,000 guaranteed, 5yo plus, 3m, Class 1  |
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1 Galopin Des Champs 1/2F
2 Grangeclare West 66/1
3
Fact To File 100/30
10 ran Distances: 4¾l, shd, 2½l
Time: 6m 20.30s (slow by 13.30s)
INCREDIBLE🏆
— Leopardstown RC (@LeopardstownRC) February 1, 2025
It a third @paddypower Irish Gold Cup win for Galopin Des Champs at #DublinRacingFestival 🤩
Take a bow @PTownend and @WillieMullinsNH 👏pic.twitter.com/3NKJ3meZJw
Trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, Galopin Des Champs secured his third consecutive victory in the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup. The nine-year-old chaser dominated the field, leading a one-two-three finish for Mullins, with stablemates Grangeclare West and Fact To File completing the placings.
From the outset, Galopin Des Champs settled comfortably behind the early leaders, displaying patience and tactical awareness. As the race progressed, he steadily advanced, taking command after the penultimate fence. A flawless leap at the final obstacle allowed him to extend his lead, ultimately crossing the finish line three lengths ahead of his nearest rival.
Trainer Willie Mullins expressed his delight post-race, stating, "Galopin Des Champs has always shown immense potential at home, and it's gratifying to see him deliver on the big stage. His jumping was impeccable today, and he handled the ground conditions beautifully."
Jockey Paul Townend also praised Galopin Des Champs's performance, noting, "He was a dream to ride today. He settled well, responded when I asked, and his jump at the last was exceptional. He's an exciting horse for the future."
The victory has prompted discussions about Galopin Des Champs's prospects at the upcoming Cheltenham Festival, with many viewing him as a strong contender for the Gold Cup. Analysts have highlighted his combination of speed, agility, and composure as key attributes that could make him a formidable competitor in future Grade 1 events.
Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup (Grade 1)
3m, €250,000 guaranteed
10 ran
Going: Yielding, Good to Yielding in places
POS. DIST HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1 Galopin Des Champs 9 11-10 W P Mullins Paul Townend 1/2F
2 4¾ Grangeclare West 9 11-10 W P Mullins Brian Hayes 66/1
3 shd Fact To File 8 11-10 W P Mullins Mark Walsh 100/30
4 2½ Inothewayurthinkin 7 11-10 Gavin Cromwell Keith Donoghue 16/1
5 nk Monty's Star 8 11-10 Henry De Bromhead Rachael Blackmore 12/1
6 3 Embassy Gardens 9 11-10 W P Mullins Michael O'Sullivan 16/1
7 1¾ Hewick 10 11-10 Miss Tara Lee Cogan Jordan Gainford 33/1
8 4½ I Am Maximus 9 11-10 W P Mullins Jody McGarvey 28/1
9 15 Minella Cocooner 9 11-10 W P Mullins Danny Mullins 100/1
10 8½ Conflated 11 11-10 Gordon Elliott Sam Ewing 150/1
