RED-HOT favourite Galopin Des Champs won his second straight Gold Cup – after nearly being derailed by a loose horse.
Second-fav Fastorslow lost his rider JJ Slevin on the final circuit and weaved in and out of runners.
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 15, 2024
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Back-to-back Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cups for Galopin Des Champs! #ITVRacing | #CheltenhamFestival pic.twitter.com/A81A4vr0hr
He interfered with the remaining runners over the last few fences while his stricken jockey remained on the turf.
But Townend showed incredible composure under massive pressure to get his best out of the horse up the famous hill.
The Willie Mullins-trained Galopin Des Champs absolutely powered home to leave runner-up Gerri Colombe trailing behind, with former Grand National hero Corach Rambler in third.
Galopin Des Champs won at 10-11 after being backed off the boards by punters throughout the day.
Winning jockey Townend said: “Unbelievable. We rode him different to last year and he was just so brave for me.
“His heart makes him a champion.”
While owner Audrey Turley said: “He’s just such a lovable horse. I want to cuddle him and snuggle him all day.”
More to follow.
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