2023 has so far been a memorable year for Galopin Des Champs and legendary Irish Jockey Ruby Walsh believes he could go on to re-write the history books.
The Willie Mullins trained horse has won both the Irish and Cheltenham Gold Cups this year and Walsh reckons he could end up being the greatest ever.
However, Galopin Des Champs is due to come up against succesful stablemate Hewick in the upcoming Punchestown Festival and Walsh seems to have learned his lesson about casting doubt over Hewick's chances. Speaking to Paddy Power’s ‘Punters’ Panel - Punchestown Edition, Walsh said, "I’m never again opposing Hewick, I feel my days of opposing Hewick are finished.
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"I thought he couldn’t win the Galway Plate, he bolted in, I thought he couldn’t get involved in the Kerry National, he was going to win, I thought the Gold Cup, I think quarter to Doom you can win the Grand National, turns in in front, down the hill I’m thinking ‘My God, Hewick is going to win the Gold Cup like!’ So I’m not opposing Hewick ever, ever again in my life."
Despite Walsh's new found appreciation of Hewick he firmly believes Galopin Des Champs could end up as the greatest ever seen.
"Best of luck to Hewick, though I think Galopin Des Champs could be as good a horse as we’ve seen in a long time and maybe could end up one of the greatest horses of all time."
The Punchestown festival takes place from the 25-29th April.
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