GALOPIN DES CHAMPS made a stunning return after his Cheltenham Festival heartbreak.
Willie Mullins’ ace was home and hosed at the Festival before he came down in dramatic style at the last.
Jockey Paul Townend was a relieved man as Galopin Des Champs returned to winning ways
But he put that hoodoo behind him to run out a brilliant 18 length winner of the Grade 1 Boylesports Gold Cup at Fairyhouse.
Despite his tumble at Cheltenham, punters retained the faith and sent him off just 2-11 for his return.
And he delivered in style jumping like a stag to enter next season’s Gold Cup fold.
Bookies trimmed him to just 4-1 for next season’s showpiece after he routed Master Mcshee with ease.
GALOPIN DES CHAMPS is back with a monstrous performance at @Fairyhouse! @WillieMullinsNH's superstar makes amends for his final-fence fall at the Cheltenham Festival with this impressive victory in the G1 BoyleSports Gold Cup Novice Chase under @PTownend
pic.twitter.com/n2OjfuF23Q
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 17, 2022
Mullins said: “I reckon he’s a Gold Cup horse. I have to discuss that with the owners yet but he looks a horse for the Gold Cup.
“Paul rode him differently down to the first than he did at Cheltenham and that made a big change.
“To me it looked an ordinary pace and it looked like the other two elected to challenge him over the last three fences.
“Once he changed gear between the last two it was over bar jumping the last.
“He just seemed to be on a wrong stride and Paul let the horse decide. He put down lovely and got over it.
“He quickened away after the last and he couldn’t pull him up going around the bend.”
He’s now joint favourite with returning champion A Plus Tard.
Smooth Aintree winner Ahoy Senor is a 10-1 shot and L’Homme Presse 14-1.
The returning Monkfish is also 14-1.
