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Ruby Walsh confirms the tragic death of the 10-year-old gelding who won two Gold Cups at Cheltenham and three Irish Gold Cups at Leopardstown, just days after being retired.
Two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Galopin Des Champs has died from injuries sustained in an accident in his field less than a week after being retired by his connections.
Ruby Walsh revealed the news on Tuesday evening that the 10-year-old gelding had suffered an injury to his near front leg which veterinary experts concluded was unrepairable. Sadly, Galopin Des Champs suffered an injury in his field one morning and could not be saved. He was checked a few times throughout the morning but late in the morning when he was brought out for exercise, a severe injury was discovered high up on his near front leg.
He was attended to by the veterinary team immediately, but x-rays revealed extensive unrepairable damage to the limb. The decision was then taken to put the beloved champion down rather than allow him to suffer. Walsh paid tribute to a horse that won not only two Gold Cups at the Cheltenham Festival but also three Irish Gold Cups at Leopardstown, cementing his place as one of the greatest staying chasers of his generation.
The statement continued by acknowledging the deep loss felt by everyone who knew the horse, particularly noting that his short time at the yard had left many broken hearts. Special mention was made of Greg, Audrey and Sarah Turley as well as Adam Connolly, who had looked after him for so long and formed a close bond with the gelding during his career.
He will be sadly missed by the racing community and all who followed his remarkable achievements on the track. Galopin Des Champs was trained by Willie Mullins and became one of the most popular horses in National Hunt racing, known for his battling qualities and dramatic victories at the highest level.
His career was marked by memorable performances, including his successes at the Cheltenham Festival where he secured back-to-back Gold Cup triumphs, a feat achieved by only a select group of elite steeplechasers. His unexpected death so soon after retirement has sent shockwaves through the sport, prompting tributes from jockeys, trainers, owners and fans who admired his courage, tenacity and remarkable ability to perform on the biggest stages in jump racing
Galopin Des Champs Cheltenham Gold Cup Ruby Walsh Irish Gold Cup Leopardstown
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