'He's so special to us, we absolutely love him. He’s just so kind and so loving' - Galopin Des Champs' glittering career in quotes

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The great Galopin Des Champs has died at the age of ten following a stunning career which returned 12 Grade 1s, including back-to-back Cheltenham Gold Cups in 2023 and 2024. His death comes just five days after his retirement from racing had been announced.

• 'A superstar nobody will forget' - Galopin Des Champs dies aged ten just five days after retirement announced 
• Galopin Des Champs was so much more than just a winning machine - he was one of the few who found a way into our hearts 

I thought he was good but I didn't think he was that good. That was just something else. He was so effortless over his fences. 

Willie Mullins was suitably impressed by Galopin Des Champs’ win by 22 lengths on his chasing debut at Leopardstown in December 2021

I've been that soldier and you can see it in Paul Townend's face. I'm heartbroken for him and the horse too, he was spectacular.

Ruby Walsh expresses sympathy with Paul Townend after the final-fence fall of Galopin Des Champs in the Turners Novices’ Chase in 2022

A dejected Paul Townend after Galopin Des Champs' final-fence fall in the Turners Novices' ChaseCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

We have had some fabulous horses win the Gold Cup here and this fellow is making a name for himself. It's exciting.

Mullins reacts to the first of Galopin Des Champs’ three Irish Gold Cup wins in 2023.

'He's making a name for himself - it's exciting' - Mullins delight at Galopin Des Champs 

He is a proper, proper horse because he's run about three different races and still won a Gold Cup.

Paul Townend describes a first Cheltenham Gold Cup success for Galopin Des Champs that was not entirely plain sailing

Epic Gold Cup lives up to expectations as Galopin Des Champs gallops to glory under brilliant Paul Townend 

Galopin Des Champs wins the Cheltenham Gold Cup for a second timeCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

You don't dream of these things. We'll come back next year and try and win a third one if we can. He has the ability to do it, he just has to stay sound.

Mullins already had the hat-trick bid in mind after Galopin Des Champs’ second Cheltenham Gold Cup win in 2024

Ecstasy for Paul Townend and Willie Mullins after glorious Galopin Des Champs gallops to historic Cheltenham Gold Cup double 

He's so special to us, we absolutely love him and when we go to the stable and meet him, he’s just so kind and so loving 

Owner Audrey Turley reveals what her star chaser is like when she visits Closutton

'He’s a beautiful, beautiful horse. I just want to snuggle him and cuddle him all day' 

Greg and Audrey Turley (red coat) with Galopin Des Champs in the Cheltenham winner's enclosureCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

It's going to be hard to beat his record; this is the best chaser I've trained and Hurricane Fly is the best hurdler. 

Mullins declares Galopin Des Champs the best chaser he has trained after his third Irish Gold Cup win last year

'This is the best chaser I've trained' - Willie Mullins saves highest praise for Galopin Des Champs after third Irish Gold Cup win 

We're so proud of him and he's a superstar either way. He's had a fantastic year and certainly doesn't owe us any more. He'll always be a legend and people love him.

Turley takes great pride in Galopin Des Champs’ runner-up effort in his bid for a Cheltenham Gold Cup hat-trick last year

'He'll always be a legend and people love him' - Galopin Des Champs camp react to Gold Cup defeat 

Galopin Des Champs soars over a fence in the Punchestown Gold CupCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

To win a race like that, beating that opposition by 22 lengths, I thought was spectacular.

Mullins felt Galopin Des Champs had the wow factor in what proved to be his final win in the Punchestown Gold Cup last year

'To win like that by 22 lengths was spectacular' - Willie Mullins blown away by 'phenomenal' Galopin Des Champs 

Read this next . . .

'A superstar nobody will forget' - Galopin Des Champs dies aged ten just five days after retirement announced 

Galopin Des Champs was so much more than just a winning machine - he was one of the few who found a way into our hearts 

ARCHIVE: Glorious Galopin Des Champs joins the greats as he wins back-to-back Cheltenham Gold Cups in supreme style 

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