Superstar chaser Galopin Des Champs has been retired by connections in Ireland. The ten-year-old won two Cheltenham Gold Cups during his career, as well as three Irish Gold Cups at Leopardstown and a Punchestown Gold Cup to boot. Trainer Wille Mullins has said “we were lucky to have him”.
Today’s racing news revolves around the great horse on Friday.
Galopin Des Champs retired after glittering career
Dual Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Galopin Des Champs has been retired. A winner of Cheltenham’s showpiece in 2023 and 2024, the ten-year-old won four Gold Cups in Ireland too, at Leopardstown and Punchestown. In all, he won 15 of 26 races, 12 of which were Grade 1s. Owner Audrey Turley paid a gushing tribute to her brilliant chaser, saying: “we never thought this would happen to us. We’ve had the most wonderful time.” (Sky Sports)
Trainer Willie Mullins has also spoken fondly of a horse who epitomised his recent dominance of the jumping game. He won Mullins his third and fourth Cheltenham Gold Cups, paving the way for Gaelic Warrior’s fifth Closutton triumph earlier this year. Mullins said: “he gave everyone who had anything to do with him a great time and he’ll be hard to replace.” The trainer also heralded Galopin Des Champs’ temperament off course: “He was so kind and gentle with everyone, from young children to pensioners and everyone in between.” (Racing Post)
Sean Bowen up for the chase as Harry Skelton builds summer lead
The jump jockeys’ championship may feel a long way from being decided. However, the early exchanges have seen Harry Skelton build a sizeable lead ahead of Sean Bowen. Four months of the season have already passed, with Skelton 17 winners in front of last season’s easy champion. Bowen won by more than 100 winners in 2025/26, and is up for chasing down his new rival: “healthy competition is good and I’m up for a fight.” (Racing Post)
Calandagan may skip Champion Stakes defence
Globetrotting superstar Calandagan may skip the defence of his Champion Stakes title at Ascot. The five-year-old was most recently beaten into second at the track by Kalpana, who reversed their previous form in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Connections say weather will play a part. His earlier exertions in the Coronation Cup on soft ground did not go to plan, while he is also recovering from a summer break. (Sporting Life)
Muri excited for Solario Stakes with Breacher
William Muir previously made an outlandish statement that Breacher will be the best horse he has trained. Punters will now get the chance to see if the trainer’s word is gospel at Sandown on Saturday. Muir has trained multiple Group 1 winner Pyledriver in the past. However, Salisbury debut scorer Breacher could have the potential to surpass even his talent. (Racing TV)