Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup report and video replay: Galopin Des Champs too good

The 1/3 favourite had been beaten by the runner-up on their last two meetings and it was a game of cat and mouse throughout this Grade One feature.

The winner set out to make every yard of the running with his rival always within a length in second.

It was still the case going to the last as both horses came off the bridle but Galopin Des Champs had the stands' rail run and upon landing it was clear he also had his rival's measure.

Paul Townend didn't have to get serious on the run-in as his partner came four-and-a-half lengths clear. Conflated, running well in third, unseated rider at the last.

Mullins said:- “It was a terrific performance. He did it the hard way, out in front and jumped from fence to fence. He didn’t wait around for anyone and did everything right. Paul was very happy with him. He set his own pace, which is hard to do on soft ground. Paul made sure that he was going to go fast enough and try to suck the energy out of the ones behind, which he did.

“We thought Conflated might make the running, but from the early stages we knew that wasn’t the way. Paul just had to grab the race by the horns, he did and it worked out. I thought for a minute from the fifth-last to the third-last that J J Slevin’s body language was looking very good and he was confident in the horse he was riding.

“When Paul poured a little bit on and got a great jump at the second-last you could see the distress signals coming out and Paul was still happy. He was able to dictate in front. Gold Cups are always important and it’s nice to win another one for Greg and Audrey (Turley, owners). It’s tremendous prize-money and a tremendous day here in Leopardstown.

“Some people think it’s a trial for Cheltenham, but for me it’s a race in its own right. They need to be respected and raced for. I bring my best horses here to do that. I thought I’d never have a horse good enough to run in the race, never mind win it different years, but that’s the way the thing has grown and we’re very lucky.”

Townend added: "That was brilliant. He jumped off again like the last day and took on the first couple of fences well. I knew going down to the start he was in good form and it was straightforward. I was happy at all stages.

"We were quickening turning for home but were quickening on my terms and it was going to take a fair one to quicken and then quicken again to get past him. We'll enjoy today. It's a big day in itself."

Paddy Power cut the winner to 8/13 from 10/11 (NRNB) to successfully defend his Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup crown. Betfair are 4/6 from evens.

Sky Bet are 4/5 NRNB and Head of Sports PR Michael Shinners said: "That was another excellent performance by Galopin Des Champs to beat Fastorslow in convincing fashion. It looks as though it will take an exceptional performance to beat him in the Boodles Gold Cup”.

Gold Cup still plan for Fastorslow

Of the runner-up, trainer Martin Brassill said: “I’m very happy with the run. It was a bit stop-start the race and he’d be happier with an even-run race from start to finish, it was a bit cat and mouse.

“He jumped well and we’ve no excuses really. The winner just had a little look at the last and it’s maybe cost us a flyer, but overall I’m very happy. It will be the Gold Cup next and I think a better gallop and hopefully better ground might help.”

More from Sporting Life

• Racecards
• Fast results
• Full results and free video replays
• Horse racing news
• Horse racing tips
• Horse racing features
• Download our free iOS and Android app
• Football and other sports tips
• Podcasts and video content

Safer gambling

We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.

If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.

Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org