RED-HOT favourite Galopin Des Champs won his second straight Gold Cup to give trainer Willie Mullins an emotional victory – a month after losing his mum.
But he had to swerve potential disaster after 8-1 third-fav Fastorslow lost his rider JJ Slevin on the final circuit.
GettyTownend celebrates after winning a second straight Gold Cup on Galopin Des Champs[/caption]
GettyMullins, right in hat, wins racing’s most prestigious contest a month after losing his mum[/caption]
Paul EdwardsWinning jockey Townend on the crest of a wave going back to the winners’ enclosure[/caption]
Fastorslow interfered with the remaining horses over the final few fences while his stricken jockey remained on the turf before getting up unhurt.
Galopin Des Champs’ jockey Paul Townend showed incredible composure under massive pressure to get his best out of the horse up the famous hill.
The defending champ, who was sent off 10-11 favourite, absolutely powered home to leave runner-up and 13-2 second-fav Gerri Colombe trailing behind, with former Grand National hero Corach Rambler in third.
It was an emotional victory for trainer Willie Mullins, who lost his mum Maureen just last month.
Winning jockey Townend said: “Unbelievable. We rode him different to last year and he was just so brave for me.
“His heart makes him a champion.”
While owner Audrey Turley said: “He’s just such a lovable horse. I want to cuddle him and snuggle him all day.”
Mullins said: “That loose horse… Paul was so positive on him. We will come back for a third one if we can.
“The loose horse was the only concern. Paul was in the position he wanted to be in and seemed to be travelling easily.”
The result was yet more bad news for bookies, who have been bashed with a load of favourites going in all week.
Coral’s David Stevens said: “When the Festival’s leading trainer Willie Mullins and jockey Paul Townend team up on the reigning Gold Cup champion and hot favourite in the biggest betting race of the week, victory for the combination is never going to be anything other than bad news for the bookmakers.
“Overall it’s been a roller-coaster week for us, but Galopin Des Champ’s Gold Cup double means plenty of punters have ended this huge week on a high.”
More to follow.
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