Paul Townend rides Galopin Des Champs to victory in Irish Gold Cup

“He’s a very, very special horse, and it was a very special reception he got,” added Townend.

Paul Townend on Galopin Des Champs celebrates winning The Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup (Grade 1) Photo: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

“We fall victim to looking ahead too much in this game,” said Paul Townend after riding Galopin Des Champs to victory in the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup, in front of a crowd of 18,297 at Leopardstown.

Absolute greatness may be little more than a month away, when he will bid to join the elite band of three-time winners of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, but perhaps Townend is right.