How does Galopin Des Champs compare to the chasing greats?

Galopin Des Champs is a two-time Gold Cup winner, with 13 victories and more than £1.5 million in prize-money under his belt. But has he ascended to the status of a staying great yet?
The Audrey Turley-owned nine-year-old could become just the fifth horse to land a hat-trick in the Cheltenham Festival’s main event, a feat last achieved by Best Mate between 2002 and 2004.
Arkle, Cottage Rake and Golden Miller, who holds the record with five consecutive Gold Cup triumphs in the 1930s, were the other chasing titans to achieve at least three wins in the race but all pre-date modern ratings.
The CV
Wins/starts 13/21
Grade 1 victories 10
Cheltenham Gold Cup wins 2
Cheltenham Festival record 3-4
Irish Gold Cup wins 2
Official rating 177
Racing Post Rating 184
Prize-money £1.528 million
Another record in sight
A third win in the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup at the Dublin Racing Festival on Saturday would take Galopin Des Champs to within one of Florida Pearl’s record four victories.
Paul Townend’s mount is a perfect six from six over fences at Leopardstown and is seeking an 11th Grade 1 success.

Galopin Des Champs has a three from four record at the Cheltenham Festival, starting with victory over subsequent dual Coral Cup winner Langer Dan in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle in 2021. His record really should be unblemished as he fell at the last when 12 lengths clear in the Turners Novices’ Chase in 2022.
Galopin Des Champs’ dominance is reflected in the fact he has been sent off favourite on 14 of his 15 chase starts, returning odds-on on 12 occasions. He has won 12 of those chase outings, and the only time he has not returned favourite was when finishing third over an inadequate 2m3½f in the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown in November.
Ratings view
Our Racing Post Ratings provide a good guide as to where Galopin Des Champs sits in the pecking order.
Willie Mullins’ stable star recorded an RPR of 183 in both his Gold Cup triumphs and his peak RPR of 184 came in a 23-length rout of Gerri Colombe in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown in 2023.
That figure means he sits joint-sixth alongside 2008 Gold Cup scorer Denman in the top chasers across all distances in the last 37 years.

The list is headed by Kauto Star, who recorded an RPR of 191 when winning the fourth of his five King George VI Chases at Kempton in 2009, while Desert Orchid (189) and Carvill’s Hill (187) are the other staying chasers to have run to a higher figure. Both of their standout numbers were recorded off big weights in handicap company.
Best Mate, in comparison, recorded his best figure of 178 when sealing the second leg of his Gold Cup hat-trick in 2003.
The intangibles
You can put a figure on the substance of his form but the style in which Galopin Des Champs goes about winning is more of an eye test.
The flamboyance of his novice chasing campaign has been replaced with a reliability and relentlessness – as he has proved time and again in the big races. His stamina is arguably his best asset and his running style – tending to race prominently – more often than not leaves his opponents toiling.
His dominance in the division has led to few rivalries developing. The Martin Brassil-trained Fastorslow has beaten Galopin Des Champs three times in seven clashes, including in two Punchestown Gold Cups, but he has been ruled out for the season with injury.
Fact To File, the latest serious opponent to emerge from his own stable and the only other horse to beat Galopin Des Champs when he has completed over fences, won the John Durkan but was put in his place in the Savills last time. A repeat result at Leopardstown could see him heading to the Ryanair – such is the reputation of the almost infallible Galopin Des Champs.
Read more on Galopin Des Champs . . .
'Galopin Des Champs hasn't captured fans' imagination like Constitution Hill' - why not?

Subscribe to Racing Post + Ultimate and get 25% off your first six months!
Available to new subscribers purchasing Racing Post+ Ultimate using code ED256 through the Racing Post website. First three payments will be charged at £37.49, subscription renews at full monthly price thereafter. To cancel please contact us at least seven days before subscription is due to renew.
Published on inDublin Racing Festival
Last updated
- Go on, go and write off Gaelic Warrior - I dare you!
- Three beaten horses from the Dublin Racing Festival who it can pay to follow next time
- A masterclass from Solness or a shocker from beaten jockeys? Sectionals reveal the truth in an intriguing debate
- 'It's just a privilege to watch him' - Galopin Des Champs owners still on cloud nine after Irish Gold Cup exhibition
- Irish Gold Cup set to stay in Saturday slot at Dublin Racing Festival despite Willie Mullins suggesting a return to Sunday
- Go on, go and write off Gaelic Warrior - I dare you!
- Three beaten horses from the Dublin Racing Festival who it can pay to follow next time
- A masterclass from Solness or a shocker from beaten jockeys? Sectionals reveal the truth in an intriguing debate
- 'It's just a privilege to watch him' - Galopin Des Champs owners still on cloud nine after Irish Gold Cup exhibition
- Irish Gold Cup set to stay in Saturday slot at Dublin Racing Festival despite Willie Mullins suggesting a return to Sunday