Owner Audrey Turley paid tribute to Galopin Des Champs after his retirement was confirmed on Thursday. The Willie Mullins-trained 10-year-old won 12 Grade One victories, including back-to-back Cheltenham Gold Cups in 2023 and 2024, and a hat-trick of Irish Gold Cups between 2023 and 2025. He won 15 of 26 career starts before injuries ruled him out of further competitions.

Turley said, "We've had the best time of our lives... we never thought this would happen to us." She highlighted memorable moments including his first Cheltenham Gold Cup and a crowd singing at Leopardstown. Galopin Des Champs will live with Ruby Walsh's family for potential retraining. Turley looks ahead to King Rasko Grey, who won last season's Turners Novices' Hurdle, stating, "He's one of a kind, a diamond.

We'll enjoy it whatever happens.".