Galopin Des Champs wins first Punchestown Gold Cup

A dominant performance was Galopin Des Champs’ first Punchestown Gold Cup victory.

The two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup champion, Spillane’s Tower, won by 22 lengths under the guidance of jockey Paul Townend.

The Willie Mullins-trained 5-6 favorite, who had twice finished second behind Fastorslow in Punchestown the previous two years, came out third and won third.

He was “he was back to his best, he was jumping at his comfort,” Mullins said.

Paul had no doubt in him at all. It was amazing to win that race by 22 lengths. Still, to me, it was awesome.

He is a very good horse, he says. Without a doubt, he has to be one of the best chasers we have ever had.

In the day’s other Grade One contests, Mullins added two victories to his already two on Tuesday.

In a thrilling finale, Cheltenham victor and 13-8 favorite Jasmin De Vaux defeated Aintree champion Honesty Policy by half a length.

Townend’s riding partner Jasmin De Vaux overcame a fall at the final hurdle to advance past the line.