Double Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs dies aged 10

Galopin Des Champs, the celebrated racehorse who captured the Cheltenham Gold Cup twice, has died at the age of 10. His death occurred on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, just days after his retirement from racing was announced. The horse suffered a severe injury in his field on the morning of September 1. Vets were immediately called to attend, but X-rays revealed extensive, unrepairable damage to his near front leg, and he could not be saved. Galopin Des Champs was a standout performer, winning 12 Grade 1 races during his career. His most prestigious victories came in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2023 and 2024. He also secured wins in the Irish Gold Cup in 2023, 2024, and 2025, the Savills Chase in 2023 and 2024, and the Punchestown Gold Cup in 2025. His final race was at Leopardstown in February 2025. The horse had been trained by Willie Mullins and was ridden in most of his races by Paul Townend. He was retired from racing because connections felt he could no longer compete at his accustomed high level. Plans were in place for him to begin a second career in eventing, with Ruby Walsh's daughter Isabelle set to retrain him. Connections expressed deep sadness at his passing.