Jockey Rachael Blackmore pays tribute to Jack de Bromhead after Cheltenham victory
Galopin Des Champs proved too sturdy for Bravemansgame with an excellent efficiency to land the celebrated Cheltenham Gold Cup on the ultimate day of the Cheltenham Festival.
Trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, Galopin Des Champs was despatched off the 7/5 favorite to make a profitable step up in journey within the three-mile-two-furlong showpiece.
And whereas he was unproven over the gap, his stamina was by no means unsure as he outstayed Bravemansgame up the Cheltenham hill to say a formidable seven-length verdict.
Last yr’s winner Rachael Blackmore was unable to repeat her historic triumph 12 months on, as she pulled up on A Plus Tard after being caught by a falling horse 5 fences out.
Follow all of our final-day protection from the 2023 Cheltenham Festival under:
Galopin Des Champs wins the Cheltenham Gold Cup
Winning coach Willie Mullins, chatting with BBC Radio 5 reside: “I am feeling great, feeling emotional. It is fantastic. We had confidence in the horse but you don’t realise how much pressure that puts on you until jumping the second last and you wonder will he stay or not and he stayed, we are delighted.”
Michael Jones17 March 2023 16:01
Galopin Des Champs wins the Cheltenham Gold Cup
Audrey Turley, proprietor of Galopin Des Champs, chatting with ITV Racing: “It is a dream come true. We never thought we would be here. It is such a wonderful horse. We are just so thrilled. The excitement has been high all week.
“I don’t know what to say or what to think. It is so unbelievable and wonderful. We have to thank Willie Mullins and the wonderful team, we wouldn’t be here without them.”
Michael Jones17 March 2023 15:57
Galopin Des Champs wins the Cheltenham Gold Cup
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Michael Jones17 March 2023 15:54
Galopin Des Champs wins the Cheltenham Gold Cup
Winning jockey Paul Townend, chatting with ITV Racing: “It wasn’t clean sailing that is for sure! Everywhere I went I was running into trouble. A proper, proper horse because he ran three different races and still won a Gold Cup.
“I was delighted to see it all going on in front of me. It gave me a chance to fill him up after making up a lot of ground.
“This race is just different. It brings winning to a different level.”
Michael Jones17 March 2023 15:51
Galopin Des Champs wins the Cheltenham Gold Cup
Michael Jones17 March 2023 15:47
Galopin Des Champs wins the Cheltenham Gold Cup
1. Galopin Des Champs – 7/5
Michael Jones17 March 2023 15:40
GALOPIN DES CHAMPS WINS THE CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP
Galopin Des Champs had a lot within the tank after leaping during the last. He outdoes Bravmansgame up the hill and flies to victory within the largest race of the week!
Paul Townend has one other winner!
Michael Jones17 March 2023 15:38
3.30 – Cheltenham Gold Cup
A Plus Tard pulls up. Two fences to go as Galopin Des Champs makes his transfer, he races to the entrance alongside Bravemansgame.
Michael Jones17 March 2023 15:37
3.30 – Cheltenham Gold Cup
Ahoy Senior falls! He’s down on the fifth from final and hampers A Plus Tard who drops into final place.
Hewick and Protektorat compete for the lead.
Michael Jones17 March 2023 15:36
3.30 – Cheltenham Gold Cup
Galopin Des Champs and A Plus Tard are each on the again. Biding their time or off the tempo?
Ahoy Senior continues to steer and eases up the tempo. Hewick is second.
Michael Jones17 March 2023 15:35
