Galopin Des Champs gained sweet redemption when he captured the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup under a ride Sir AP McCoy hailed as the best he had ever seen.
A year ago the 7-5 favourite approached the last fence of the Turners Novices’ Chase with the race in the bag, only to crash to the ground on the landing side.
It was Galopin Des Champs’ only defeat over fences and remained that way after he cleared the bogey fence and drew away from Bravemansgame to land the spoils after a perfectly executed waiting ride by jockey Paul Townend.
