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Ruby Walsh: Galopin Des Champs best horse in the Punchestown Gold Cup but Banbridge must be respected

Galopin Des Champs hasn't won at the Punchestown Festival since he was a novice hurdler.

Wed, 30 Apr, 2025 - 06:00

Ruby Walsh is one of the most successful jump jockeys in racing history and is now a high‑profile analyst and broadcaster.

Tuesday afternoon started in glorious Kildare sunshine; suncream and sunglasses were necessary. Punchestown’s drive to attract British runners got the injection it needed when the raiders collected two of the first three races before six faced the starter for the first Grade One, and all were Irish. In typical Punchestown fashion, nobody seemed to be following the script, and while Willie Mullins landed both opening Grade Ones, it came with his third and fourth strings.

Mark Walsh and Danny Mullins didn't seem to notice that most of the punters here wanted Kopek Des Bordes and Ballyburn to win, but two fine rides on 18/1 and 22/1 shots landed them the spoils before the big showdown kicked off at 6pm.

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