Mullins thrilled with Galopin des Champs ahead of Gold Cup title defense
Willie Mullins Confident Galopin Des Champs Will Shine at Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup
The upcoming Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup is set to witness a strong defense from last year’s champion, Galopin Des Champs, as confirmed by trainer Willie Mullins. The eight-year-old gelding clinched victory in the prestigious race last season, marking his trainer’s third win in five years. This success followed the back-to-back victories of Al Boum Photo in both 2019 and 2020.
Despite facing defeats against Fastorslow towards the end of last season and early this campaign, Galopin Des Champs made an astonishing comeback with a remarkable triumph in the Savills Chase over Christmas. He then went on to seek revenge by winning his second Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown earlier this month.
Mullins expressed his satisfaction with Galopin Des Champ’s current condition during his annual press conference ahead of the highly anticipated race. “He has recovered exceptionally well after his recent race at Leopardstown and I couldn’t be happier with him. It’s shaping up to be an outstanding Gold Cup this year,” he stated confidently.
A change in tactics seems to have played a significant role in Galopin Des Champ’s recent resurgence within the division. In previous years, Mullins preferred having him ridden off the pace due to concerns about him becoming too keen and getting drawn into battles. However, this time around, Mullins is open to a more aggressive approach. “He’s bigger, stronger, and definitely ready to lead the pack,” he added.
In addition to Galopin Des Champs, another potential contender from Mullins’ stable for the Gold Cup is Monkfish. The gelding had an impressive novice campaign in 2020-21 but was sidelined for two years thereafter. Despite facing defeat during his first two starts upon returning last spring, Monkfish managed to resume his winning streak by clinching victory in the Galmoy Hurdle last month.
Mullins believes that Monkfish still possesses a significant amount of talent and has contemplations regarding whether he should be prepared for the Gold Cup or opt for the Stayers’ Hurdle instead. He stated, “If enough rain comes and conditions favor it, I would seriously consider him for the Gold Cup. He has shown class in his recent performance at Gowran Park over hurdles.” Mullins plans on discussing with owner Rich Ricci before making any final decisions.
Willie Mullins’ formidable team extends beyond these contenders as Fact To File emerges as a strong candidate among novice chasers under his tutelage. The seven-year-old gelding remains unbeaten after two successful outings over fences and garnered attention after an extraordinary Grade One victory at Leopardstown recently.
Mullins shared insights about Fact To File’s prospects at Cheltenham: “Fact To File could potentially compete in either the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase or Turners Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham. At this moment, I lean towards him participating in the Brown Advisory race; however, we need to consider other horses owned by our team who might also enter that category.”