Bryan Cooper backing Galopin Des Champs to claim Gold Cup treble

It would be a special Cheltenham Festival moment if Galopin Des Champs could roar back to his best and join the likes of Arkle and Best Mate on the list of three-time winners

SEEKING GOLD: Galopin Des Champs may have seen his dominance in the staying division ended of late, without a victory in two outings so far this season, but he remains at single figures to become just the second horse after Kauto Star to regain his Gold Cup crown.  Picture: Morgan Treacy/Inpho

It's 10 years since Bryan Cooper reached the pinnacle of National Hunt racing with Cheltenham Gold Cup success aboard Don Cossack — and he is now backing Galopin Des Champs to join the pantheon of greats by winning the blue riband for a third time.

Willie Mullins' 10-year-old may have seen his dominance in the staying division ended of late, without a victory in two outings so far this season, but he remains at single figures to become just the second horse after Kauto Star to regain his Gold Cup crown at Prestbury Park.