Owner and trainer Audrey Turley presented a heartfelt tribute to Galopin Des Champs following the superstar chaser’s official retirement announcement on Thursday.
Trained by Willie Mullins, the 10‑year‑old became one of the most beloved National Hunt champions of recent history. His résumé features twelve Group One victories, highlighted by consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cup triumphs in 2023 and 2024, plus three successive Irish Gold Cups from 2023 through 2025.
His last competitive run came after he finished third while vying for a fourth Irish Gold Cup title in February; this performance marked his final race start before being sidelined later in March when a medical setback prevented him from competing in the final Cheltenham Festival appointment.
Over his career Galopin secured fifteen of twenty‑six races, a record that underscores his consistency at the highest level.
Turley told the Press Association: “We’ve had the best time of our lives – we truly have.”
“Never imagined this sudden change,” Turley admitted, “but we’ve been fortunate enough to experience the greatest joy running these competitions.”
When asked which moment stands out most, Turley replied, “Three Irish Gold Cups and the Cheltenham wins feel impossible to separate; each was a marvelous surprise that left everyone breathless.”
She noted, “If I had to choose a single highlight, the first Cheltenham Gold Cup was nothing short of magical—a dreamlike triumph that filled us with immense joy.”
Another particularly memorable occasion occurred in Leopardstown when Galopin captured his third Irish Gold Cup, prompting a collective roar of “ole, ole, ole” that heightened the excitement for everyone involved.”
“People adore him, and fans remain writing to us on Instagram and TikTok saying ‘we miss him, we miss him.’ He was loved dearly and truly deserved it—just wonderful.”
Turley hinted that Galopin may transition to another calling within the equestrian world. “He’s moved to Ruby Walsh’s family, where his daughter Isabelle will observe his potential next chapter in the sport—so we’ll see whether anything emerges,” she said.
Ruby Walsh’s team will retrain Galopin and determine his direction—if he embraces the opportunity, great; otherwise we’ll explore alternative paths, keeping his preferences paramount.
Because it will only be Galopin’s eleventh birthday next year, Turley emphasized that the aged champion remains impressive.
Though Galopin will no longer sport the Turley yellow and brown silks, the stable roster includes several promising prospects, notably King Rasko Grey, whose return from the summer has impressed and carries strong expectations ahead.
Turley continued, “King Rasko Grey has already returned from the summer and looks fantastic; we have high hopes for his future performances.”
Turkey closed by noting his past form: “Galopin performed admirably at Cheltenham and possesses the size of a diamond. He cannot return as a Galopin, but whatever comes next, we will support him.”