Galopin Des Champs, the two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, died this week, less than seven days after being retired from racing. This is just devastating news for anyone who loves the sport.
A Sudden, Heartbreaking End
Former jockey Ruby Walsh confirmed the news to RacingTV on Tuesday, and it hits hard. He said, “Sadly Galopin Des Champs suffered an injury in his field this morning and could not be saved.” Walsh found the 10-year-old with “a severe injury, high up on his near front leg.” Vets attended immediately, but X-rays showed “extensive unrepairable damage.” Trainer Willie Mullins had just retired him last week, noting he “could not do himself justice at the level he was used to.” What a brutal twist of fate.
A Champion’s Resume
This horse was a legend, plain and simple. Galopin Des Champs won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in both 2023 and 2024, along with an incredible 12 Grade One races total. He also grabbed three Irish Gold Cups, two Savills Chases, and a Punchestown Gold Cup. Walsh’s words truly capture the feeling, saying, “He was a fabulous racehorse… he will be sadly missed.”
What a tough loss for the racing world. A true champion gone way too soon.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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