Paddy Brennan dismisses Galopin Des Champs' Gold Cup credentials

January 5, 2026

Paddy Brennan has dismissed Galopin Des Champs’ hopes of winning a third Cheltenham Gold Cup this spring.

The ten-year-old made a pleasing return to action in the Grade 1 Savills Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas, finishing third behind Affordale Fury and I Am Maximus.

His perfect record over fences at the Dublin venue came to an end which featured seven wins from seven attempts including six at the top level following a beginners chase success.

In the colours of Audrey Turley, Galopin Des Champs was due to make his seasonal reappearance as normal in the John Durkan Chase at Punchestown before meeting a small setback.

That run usually puts him spot on for a tilt at the Savills, a race he won impressively in both 2023 and 2024, but without the benefit of race fitness on side he wasn’t able to complete a hat-trick.

The son of Timos was denied a third consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cup by Gavin Cromwell’s Inothewayurthinkin last March but should return to Prestbury Park this year with leading claims.

Retired jockey Paddy Brennan knows a thing or two about winning the race, tasting glory on Imperial Commander in 2010, and his vote for the 2026 renewal won’t be going to Galopin Des Champs.

Speaking on At The Races’ Unbridled show, Brennan explained his view that the gelding’s battle scars from years gone by will leave a lasting effect.

“Very good run (in the Savills). But I find it very, very hard to see him winning another Gold Cup. When you’ve been up that hill as many times as he has, and being defeated in the last Gold Cup, he has a mountain to climb.

“It would be an unbelievable feat if he was to win it but I can’t see it. He’s ten years old.”

WATCH: Paddy Brennan on Galopin Des Champs’ Gold Cup hopes

🤔 Who do you agree with?@PaddyBrennan81 completely dismisses Galopin Des Champs’ chances in the Gold Cup…#Unbridled @BoyleSports @MCYeeehaaa pic.twitter.com/TRu0lXlm0u

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) January 4, 2026

Galopin Des Champs tied at top of Cheltenham Gold Cup ante-post betting

Galopin Des Champs is the 6/1 joint-favourite alongside Inothewayurthinkin in the Gold Cup ante-post market with the pair set to renew their rivalry in the Irish edition at the Dublin Racing Festival on January 31.

His trainer Willie Mullins is confident he’ll improve for the run but also expressed concern regarding the gruelling nature of that comeback effort.

“He’s good. He ate up after coming home which was a good sign after what I thought was a hard race. He’s sound as a pound, we’ll hopefully be back here for the Irish Gold Cup.

“I’m hoping (for improvement). He did have a hard race but we don’t know what sort of effect it will have on him.”

Only four horses have won the Friday feature at Cheltenham on three occasions – Cottage Rake, Arkle, Best Mate and Golden Miller.

If Paul Townend finds glory again in two months he’ll become the outright most successful rider in Gold Cup history, currently tied with Pat Taaffe on four triumphs.