The Willie Mullins trained Galopin Des Champs carried his favourites tag with aplomb today in the Irish Gold Cup at the Dublin Racing Festival, beating off stiff competition from Stattler and Fury Road.
It was also Mullins' third win of the day at the Dublin Racing Festival in Leopardstown [El Fabiolo - 14.30, Gala Marceau - 13.55], and his 12th Irish Gold Cup in total.
Galopin did brilliantly to come from far back in the field over the last few hundred metres, with jockey Paul Towend showing sublime skill to stave off Fury Road over the final hurdle.
Once he got the lead, his final kick was too much for the rest of the field.
Willie Mullins Takes Home His 12th Irish Gold Cup
Galopin Des Champs (3-10F) proves the class act in the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup, winning the feature at Leopardstown for trainer Willie Mullins and jockey Paul Townend. #DublinRacingFestival pic.twitter.com/iY6x0bFLmJ
— RTÉ Racing (@RTEracing) February 4, 2023
READ HERE: Willie Mullins Emotional After Winning First Cheltenham Champion Chase
Prior to the race, Mullins was in a confident mood given his performance at the same venue last year.
"He handled Leopardstown very well last year, which is why I don’t have much trouble going back there. He is a big horse, but when he handled the track there last year I’m happy to go back.
“He does things in his races so easy, except for his little blip in Cheltenham last year where he slipped on landing.
“He’s never been over this trip over fences, but he has over hurdles and I was never really worried about his stamina. He always showed a nice turn of foot and we’ll find out, but I think he shouldn’t have any problem with it.”
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