Galopin Des Champs successfully defends Gold Cup crown

Leading from flag-fall, Paul Townend was content to set a sedate pace on Willie Mullins' 1-3 favourite, with his old rival Fastorslow never letting him get too far in front.

STILL ON TOP: Paul Townend celebrates winning the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup Chase with Galopin Des Champs during day one of the 2024 Dublin Racing Festival. Pic: Damien Eagers, PA Wire.

Most of what Willie Mullins touched on day one of the Dublin Racing Festival turned to gold, and that was literally the case in the feature when Galopin Des Champs made all the running to complete back-to-back wins in the Grade One Paddy Power Gold Cup.

Paul Townend set off in front aboard the odds-on favourite and was able to dictate throughout. While Fastorslow often jumped a little better than the leader, what Galopin Des Champs produced was more than adequate and, under a well-judged ride in the testing conditions, he had plenty left when the late battle ensued with market rival Fastorslow.