- Two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs has died following a tragic accident in his field, less than a week after his retirement from racing had been officially announced.
- The 10-year-old gelding sustained a severe and unrepairable injury high up on his near front leg on Tuesday morning, with x-rays leading veterinary professionals to conclude he could not be saved.
- Trained by Willie Mullins, Galopin Des Champs established himself as one of the modern greats of jump racing by winning back-to-back Cheltenham Gold Cups in 2023 and 2024 alongside three Irish Gold Cups at Leopardstown.
- The star chaser had previously attempted a historic Gold Cup hat-trick in 2025, finishing second behind Inothewayurthinkin, before being ruled out of the festival earlier this year due to fitness issues.
- Former jockey Ruby Walsh paid tribute to the horse on behalf of connections, offering sympathies to owners Greg, Audrey and Sarah Turley as well as groom Adam Connolly following the devastating loss.
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