Connections of Galopin Des Champs finally got their hands on the Ladbrokes Gold Cup at the third time of asking after a dominant performance at Punchestown.
Denied a third Gold Cup at Cheltenham last month, the Willie Mullins-trained star was out to prevent an unwanted hat-trick in this race, having been second to Fastorslow for the past two years.
The nine-year-old looked much happier than he did at Cheltenham all the way through this time, jumping for fun at the head of affairs and leading his rivals a merry dance in the hands of Paul Townend.
Monty’s Star was the first to cry enough under Rachael Blackmore and then Joseph O’Brien’s King George winner Banbridge began to struggle.
Spillane’s Tower was still on the bridle at the fourth-last, but just when Mark Walsh would have been hoping to make his move, he failed to pick up, making quite a bad mistake.
With Walsh still seemingly going well enough, Townend kicked on and Spillane’s Tower had to meet the next fence perfectly to have a chance, but failed to do so and the race was over.
Galopin Des Champs pinged the last and the 5-6 favourite came home 22 lengths clear, to rapturous applause from those in attendance.
Townend irons out late problems to help Jasmin De Vaux pounce
Paul Townend excelled as Cheltenham winner Jasmin De Vaux edged out Aintree victor Honesty Policy in a thrilling finish to the Channor Real Estate Group Novice Hurdle at Punchestown.
A notoriously iffy jumper at the best of times, Jasmin De Vaux appeared to be coming to win the race before making a mistake at the final flight.
Townend lost his right iron shortly after landing and rather than try and get that one back, he kicked his left one out.
That enabled him to get into a position to ride the strongest finish possible as quickly as he could – and it was an inspired decision.
Mark Walsh had charted the inside course on Gordon Elliott’s Honesty Policy, who lost little in defeat, as Townend swept around the outside.
It was Jasmin De Vaux (13-8 favourite), winner of last year’s Champion Bumper at Cheltenham before this year’s Albert Bartlett success, who had the greater speed on the flat, though, and won by half a length.
Jasmin De Vaux heads for home
Winning trainer Willie Mullins said: “He just does it when he has to. He’s not the world’s best jumper. Paul asked him for a big one at the last, he gave it to him but he nearly tipped him out of the saddle.
“It was great jockeyship by Paul to stay in the saddle, with I think one iron probably.
“It’s a fantastic achievement to get that done, get the job done. He did what needed to be done.
“He’s got a huge engine, maybe he’ll jump fences better – I don’t know.
“If you can just get him near the winning post, get him over his hurdles without losing too much ground, he’s able to make it up on the flat.”
Bambino Fever further enhances outstanding bumper record
Bambino Fever confirmed herself as the standout performer in her division when running out an impressive winner of the Race & Stay At Punchestown Champion INH Flat Race.
Surprisingly for a race of such stature, only six went to post, with Willie Mullins responsible for the eventual winner, ridden by Jody Townend, and Copacabana, the mount of Patrick Mullins.
The five-year-old had already won at the Dublin Racing Festival and she followed up impressively under Townend in the Cheltenham Champion Bumper.
While that attracted its usual big field, this race was a different affair and Mullins tried to dictate matters on Copacabana, but Townend always appeared to have him covered.
Despite the small field, Noel Meade’s Colcannon ended up short of room as the pace quickened and Bambino Fever and Switch From Diesel shot clear.
Bambino Fever (11-8 favourite) displayed a smart turn of foot and kept her only challenger at bay by two and a quarter lengths.
Jody Townend celebrates aboard Bambino Fever
It meant back-to-back wins in the Grade One for Townend, who rode Redemption Day to victory in the corresponding race last year.
Willie Mullins said: “She looks like a very good filly. It wasn’t as fast a race as we thought it was going to be and she was still able to quicken off it. She’s got gears as well.
“I thought it would be very hard to take Jody off after what she has done all year on her.
“That’ll be it now and we’ll look forward to next season, going jumping.
“She’s a tough, strong filly. Even if she doesn’t do anything else, she’s done enough now anyway, but I’m really looking forward to going jumping, the way she is bred.”
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
‘I’m made for this’ – Townsend on fallout from Ostapenkpo exchange at US Open
Taylor Townsend secured one of the biggest wins of her career when stunning fifth seed Mirra Andreeva in straight sets at the US Open on Friday night - though attention remains focused on her heated exchange with Jelena Ostapenko after her previous match.The 29-year-old American made headlines after Ostapenko confronted her on court following their second-round clash, accusing Townsend of having "no education" and "no class". Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Jelena Ostapenko and Taylor Townsend had a heated exchange following their post-match handshake in the second round of the US Open. Fellow players leapt to her defence, including four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka, who labelled Ostapenko's comments as "one of the worst things you can say to a black tennis player in a majority white sport".Ostapenko took to social media to strongly deny […]
‘I’m made for this’ – Townsend on fallout from Ostapenkpo exchange at US Open
Taylor Townsend secured one of the biggest wins of her career when stunning fifth seed Mirra Andreeva in straight sets at the US Open on Friday night - though attention remains focused on her heated exchange with Jelena Ostapenko after her previous match.The 29-year-old American made headlines after Ostapenko confronted her on court following their second-round clash, accusing Townsend of having "no education" and "no class". Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Jelena Ostapenko and Taylor Townsend had a heated exchange following their post-match handshake in the second round of the US Open. Fellow players leapt to her defence, including four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka, who labelled Ostapenko's comments as "one of the worst things you can say to a black tennis player in a majority white sport".Ostapenko took to social media to strongly deny […]
Jackson Arnold’s Auburn Debut Steals Spotlight while Coach Prime, Colorado Stumble
<!--> [--> RJ Young FOX Sports National College Football Analyst <!--> --> Hugh Freeze is known for dialing up fireworks through the air. But in Auburn's season-opener on Friday night, it was a punishing ground attack that stole the show.The Tigers steamrolled Baylor 38–24 behind 307 rushing yards and a breakout performance from former Oklahoma quarterback Jackson Arnold, who ran for 137 yards and two scores in his Auburn debut. The Tigers exploded for 24 points in the second and third quarters, taking control and never letting go.For Auburn, it was a statement win. For the Big 12 — which also saw Colorado fall to Georgia Tech — it was a rough start to a season where the league hoped to make an early playoff push.Here are some top takeaways from Friday night's action.Auburn’s rushing attack shines bright in season-opening […]
Joshua targets early 2026 return before ‘roll of the dice’ Fury mega-fight
Anthony Joshua is on track to return in a comeback fight in early 2026 before a "roll of the dice" blockbuster next summer.After Joshua's loss to Daniel Dubois last September, a lingering elbow injury would not heal and eventually required an operation. That has kept the 35-year-old out of action but he has now resumed training. His next fight back will most likely be in January or the start of February. He would not return to an immediate contest with a top-level heavyweight but will target a tune-up bout against world top-15 calibre opponent before pursuing the biggest names in the division.The ultimate target, though, remains Tyson Fury, a great all-British showdown that has so far eluded Joshua. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player We take a look at some of the most incredible moments ever […]
Today on Sky Sports Racing: Chester, Lingfield and Newton Abbot feature
We have a busy day's racing on Saturday with domestic action from Chester, Lingfield and Newton Abbot, before a busy evening of Stateside action, live on Sky Sports Racing...2.40 Chester - Tabletalk faces Alsakib and PrydwenThe Listed Virgin Bet Chester Stakes headlines our action on the Roodee on Saturday and sees Tabletalk face Alsakib and co. Tom Clover's stable star Tabletalk arrives here off the back of a six-week break after finishing third in the John Smith's Silver Cup Stakes where he was no match for Al Qareem. He hasn't got his nose in front for a year now but he drops to Listed class for the first time since October last year and that could help him get back to winning ways.Alsakib comes here on a revival mission after disappointing at York in June where it was reported that […]
Mladá hvězda dala přednost Česku před Nizozemskem. Jednadvacítka má posilu do útoku
„V Dordrechtu pravidelně nastupuje, dává góly. Produktivní byl i v přípravě. Je vysoký, rychlý, s dobrým zakončením. Mohl by být pro nás vhodnou alternativou do útoku,“ řekl Bílek na páteční nominační tiskové konferenci.Eduardo vyrůstal v Nizozemsku, které reprezentoval v nižších mládežnických kategoriích. Například ještě loni v březnu nastoupil za Oranjes proti české osmnáctce. Na podzim 2024 už ale odehrál 3 přípravy za tuzemskou devatenáctku. Teď dostal pozvánku do jednadvacítky, která pod novým trenérem Bílkem vstoupí do kvalifikace o ME U21 v roce 2027.„Byla dohoda, že po první zkušenosti v devatenáctce se trochu odmlčí a rozhodne se, jaký stát bude reprezentovat. S Pavlem Nedvědem (generální manažer českých reprezentací) jsme se pustili do komunikace s ním i hráčovým manažerem. Jsem rád, že se Yannick rozhodl pro nás. Je to typologicky jiný útočník, než které máme,“ podotkl Bílek s tím, že Eduardo mluví obstojně česky.V 16 letech se Eduardo připojil k mládežnické akademii RB Lipsko, s bundesligovým klubem podepsal kontrakt do roku […]
Related
‘I’m made for this’ – Townsend on fallout from Ostapenkpo exchange at US Open
Taylor Townsend secured one of the biggest wins of her career when stunning fifth seed Mirra Andreeva in straight sets at the US Open on Friday night - though attention remains focused on her heated exchange with Jelena Ostapenko after her previous match.The 29-year-old American made headlines after Ostapenko confronted her on court following their second-round clash, accusing Townsend of having "no education" and "no class". Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Jelena Ostapenko and Taylor Townsend had a heated exchange following their post-match handshake in the second round of the US Open. Fellow players leapt to her defence, including four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka, who labelled Ostapenko's comments as "one of the worst things you can say to a black tennis player in a majority white sport".Ostapenko took to social media to strongly deny […]
‘I’m made for this’ – Townsend on fallout from Ostapenkpo exchange at US Open
Taylor Townsend secured one of the biggest wins of her career when stunning fifth seed Mirra Andreeva in straight sets at the US Open on Friday night - though attention remains focused on her heated exchange with Jelena Ostapenko after her previous match.The 29-year-old American made headlines after Ostapenko confronted her on court following their second-round clash, accusing Townsend of having "no education" and "no class". Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Jelena Ostapenko and Taylor Townsend had a heated exchange following their post-match handshake in the second round of the US Open. Fellow players leapt to her defence, including four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka, who labelled Ostapenko's comments as "one of the worst things you can say to a black tennis player in a majority white sport".Ostapenko took to social media to strongly deny […]
Jackson Arnold’s Auburn Debut Steals Spotlight while Coach Prime, Colorado Stumble
<!--> [--> RJ Young FOX Sports National College Football Analyst <!--> --> Hugh Freeze is known for dialing up fireworks through the air. But in Auburn's season-opener on Friday night, it was a punishing ground attack that stole the show.The Tigers steamrolled Baylor 38–24 behind 307 rushing yards and a breakout performance from former Oklahoma quarterback Jackson Arnold, who ran for 137 yards and two scores in his Auburn debut. The Tigers exploded for 24 points in the second and third quarters, taking control and never letting go.For Auburn, it was a statement win. For the Big 12 — which also saw Colorado fall to Georgia Tech — it was a rough start to a season where the league hoped to make an early playoff push.Here are some top takeaways from Friday night's action.Auburn’s rushing attack shines bright in season-opening […]
Today on Sky Sports Racing: Chester, Lingfield and Newton Abbot feature
We have a busy day's racing on Saturday with domestic action from Chester, Lingfield and Newton Abbot, before a busy evening of Stateside action, live on Sky Sports Racing...2.40 Chester - Tabletalk faces Alsakib and PrydwenThe Listed Virgin Bet Chester Stakes headlines our action on the Roodee on Saturday and sees Tabletalk face Alsakib and co. Tom Clover's stable star Tabletalk arrives here off the back of a six-week break after finishing third in the John Smith's Silver Cup Stakes where he was no match for Al Qareem. He hasn't got his nose in front for a year now but he drops to Listed class for the first time since October last year and that could help him get back to winning ways.Alsakib comes here on a revival mission after disappointing at York in June where it was reported that […]
Joshua targets early 2026 return before ‘roll of the dice’ Fury mega-fight
Anthony Joshua is on track to return in a comeback fight in early 2026 before a "roll of the dice" blockbuster next summer.After Joshua's loss to Daniel Dubois last September, a lingering elbow injury would not heal and eventually required an operation. That has kept the 35-year-old out of action but he has now resumed training. His next fight back will most likely be in January or the start of February. He would not return to an immediate contest with a top-level heavyweight but will target a tune-up bout against world top-15 calibre opponent before pursuing the biggest names in the division.The ultimate target, though, remains Tyson Fury, a great all-British showdown that has so far eluded Joshua. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player We take a look at some of the most incredible moments ever […]
Mladá hvězda dala přednost Česku před Nizozemskem. Jednadvacítka má posilu do útoku
„V Dordrechtu pravidelně nastupuje, dává góly. Produktivní byl i v přípravě. Je vysoký, rychlý, s dobrým zakončením. Mohl by být pro nás vhodnou alternativou do útoku,“ řekl Bílek na páteční nominační tiskové konferenci.Eduardo vyrůstal v Nizozemsku, které reprezentoval v nižších mládežnických kategoriích. Například ještě loni v březnu nastoupil za Oranjes proti české osmnáctce. Na podzim 2024 už ale odehrál 3 přípravy za tuzemskou devatenáctku. Teď dostal pozvánku do jednadvacítky, která pod novým trenérem Bílkem vstoupí do kvalifikace o ME U21 v roce 2027.„Byla dohoda, že po první zkušenosti v devatenáctce se trochu odmlčí a rozhodne se, jaký stát bude reprezentovat. S Pavlem Nedvědem (generální manažer českých reprezentací) jsme se pustili do komunikace s ním i hráčovým manažerem. Jsem rád, že se Yannick rozhodl pro nás. Je to typologicky jiný útočník, než které máme,“ podotkl Bílek s tím, že Eduardo mluví obstojně česky.V 16 letech se Eduardo připojil k mládežnické akademii RB Lipsko, s bundesligovým klubem podepsal kontrakt do roku […]
Be the first to leave a comment