Cheltenham Festival 2025 News: Galopin Des Champs To Take On Eight Rivals In Bid For Gold Cup Immortality

Galopin Des Champs will take on eight rivals in his bid to achieve a third Gold Cup success.

The Willie Mullins superstar is looking to become the first horse since Best Mate to land a three-peat, and his form this season has remained strong; most recently landing a third Irish Gold Cup.

Inothewayurthinkin is a strong contender for the Gavin Cromwell yard after being supplemented, while King George victor Banbridge represents the Joseph O'Brien team.

The other runners will all be considerably bigger in the market, with The Real Whacker, Corbetts Cross, and Gentlemansgame also entered. Royale Pagaille, and Ahoy Senor are the only two British-trained runners.

A strong British contingent will headline the betting for the Triumph Hurdle on Friday, with Lulamba and East India Dock featuring among the entries.

Willie Mullins has entered Blue Lemons, Charlus, and Lady Vega Allen, but Hello Neighbour could be the leading Irish hope.

Mullins has also entered Absurde for the County Hurdle, with Patrick Mullins booked to take the ride.

The Irish maestro has also got a leading handicap hope in the final race of the week, with Kopek De Mee taking on Wodhooh, East India Express and Taponthego in the Martin Pipe.

The Big Westerner headlines a 20-runner field for the Albert Bartlett on Friday.

A wide-open contest also sees Jasmin De Voux, Jet Blue, and Wingmen entered.

Lucinda Russell-trained Derryhassen Paddy and John McConnell's Intense Approach also feature among the likely leading contenders in the final Grade 1 novice hurdle of the Festival.