Shark Hanlon: 'On proper good ground Galopin Des Champs mightn't be as good'

The Co. Carlow trainer believes there is a potential chink in the armour of the superstar horse trained less than six kilometres but a world away.

Trainer John "Shark" Hanlon with horse Hewick during a media day at Shark Hanlon's yard in Fenniscourt, Ireland, ahead of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival in March. Picture:  Niall Carson/PA

If the betting market is to be believed the winner of 2024 Cheltenham Gold Cup will be the same horse who landed the blue riband in breathtaking fashion last March.

Reigning champion Galopin Des Champs re-established his position as the horse to beat when running away with the Savills Chase at Christmas before returning to Leopardstown to get the better of Fastorslow in the Irish Gold Cup at the Dublin Racing Festival.