Blue-riband triumph puts cherry on top of the Cheltenham cake for Closutton machine
Paul Townend celebrates aboard Galopin Des Champs after winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup at Prestbury Park. Photo: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Galopin Des Champs (10/11 favourite) joined the pantheon of Cheltenham Gold Cup greats, with his all-conquering trainer Willie Mullins branding him a “superstar” after back-to-back victories in the blue riband at the Cotswolds.
The eight-year-old joined rare air with successive victories in the showpiece and it was another scintillating display as Paul Townend’s mount never looked in any real danger en route to a three-and-a-half length win.