Champion trainer Willie Mullins has delivered concerning news about reigning Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Galopin Des Champs, revealing the superstar chaser has encountered a significant training setback that puts his Festival defence in serious doubt.
The seven-year-old, who spectacularly claimed jump racing's blue riband event last March, has been forced to miss crucial preparatory work after developing a minor issue that requires careful management.
Gold Cup Defence Hangs in the Balance
Speaking about the situation, Mullins admitted: "Galopin Des Champs has had a little setback. It's nothing major, but it's enough to interrupt his training schedule at a critical time."
The timing couldn't be worse for connections, with the Cheltenham Festival now less than two months away. The champion trainer confirmed the horse would need to return to full work quickly to have any chance of making the March showpiece.
Mullins Remains Cautiously Optimistic
Despite the concerning development, the master of Closutton hasn't completely ruled out a Gold Cup defence. "We're hopeful he'll be back cantering soon," Mullins stated. "If he responds well to treatment and we can get him back on track within the next week or two, we might still make Cheltenham."
The training superstar emphasised that horse welfare remains the absolute priority, adding: "We won't take any risks with him. If he's not 100% right, he won't be going."
Racing World Holds Its Breath
This news sends shockwaves through the jumps racing community, with Galopin Des Champs having been installed as favourite to defend his crown after an impressive victory in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas.
His potential absence would completely reshape the Gold Cup market and leave the door open for rivals including Bravemansgame, A Plus Tard, and stablemate Stattler.
Racing fans and punters alike will be anxiously awaiting further updates from the Mullins camp over the coming days, hoping for positive news about the superstar chaser's recovery progress.
