Cheltenham Gold Cup favourite Galopin Des Champs triumphed to win the 100th edition of racing’s most coveted jumping prize, defending his title from last year.
Ridden by Paul Townend, the French horse showed the horse racing world why he was the bookies favourite before the event.
A quiet first circuit left The Real Whacker unchallenged as he raced into pole position, stray horse Fastorslow caused a few problems after losing jockey J J Slevin early on.
However, a sudden challenge from the frontrunner, meant he cantered to secure victory for Willie Mullins once again – just the third horse to retain the Cup this century.
Gerri Colombe and Corach Rambler finished second and third respectively, but neither troubled Galopin after the penultimate hurdle.
Winning jockey Townend, told ITV Sport:
“Unbelievable, we had to go through his reserves.
“I rode him completely differently to last year and was so brave for me.
“I was afraid we didn’t have enough but it’s the Gold Cup so we had to go for it.
“What makes him a champion? His heart probably.
“We had to go through his reserve which only special horses have.”
Famed trainer Mullins, told ITV Sport:
“I just think he put himself into the superstar category.
“To do what he did with a loose horse.
“Paul was so positive on him, we’ll come back for a third year next year.
“The loose horse caused issues, he hit one of the first fences.
“Paul just seems to travel on him so easily.
“He’s doing everything right, it was great to win one this year.
“If we got him here okay we believed he’d be in the front-running.”
