Cheltenham 2026: Galopin Des Champs 'not finished yet' says Paul Townend
Jockey Paul Townend expresses confidence in Galopin Des Champs as they aim for a historic second Cheltenham Gold Cup win in 2026.
In an upcoming bid for the 2026 Cheltenham Gold Cup, Paul Townend has shared optimism about Galopin Des Champs, a 10-year-old horse seeking to make history by becoming only the second horse to reclaim this prestigious title. Townend, a seasoned jockey with seven Irish championships to his name, indicated that it would be a challenging decision for him to ride either Galopin Des Champs or Gaelic Warrior, highlighting the exceptional talent of both horses.
Galopin Des Champs, who won the Gold Cup at Prestbury Park in 2023 with an impressive seven-length advantage over Bravemansgame, has already made a notable mark in the horse racing world. After successfully defending his title the following year, he established himself as one of only eight horses to win the Gold Cup multiple times. Despite a disappointing finish the previous year, where he ended in second place, the jockey's faith in the horse's capability remains strong as they prepare for another attempt.
The challenge of reclaiming the Gold Cup is significant, especially considering that only Kauto Star has achieved a similar feat. With Townend's extensive experience and the horse's proven track record, the 2026 Cheltenham Gold Cup is poised to be an exciting event in the horse racing calendar, attracting fans and bettors alike eager to see if Galopin Des Champs can achieve this remarkable goal.