Willie Mullins Assistant Sounds Warning To Cheltenham Rivals
Willie Mullins’ Assistant Trainer David Casey has delivered a hugely encouraging update on stable star Galopin Des Champs as he gears up for an historic bid to land a third Gold Cup at Cheltenham next week. The two-time winner will emulate Kauto Star, the only horse to regain the Gold Cup, if he lands the spoils next Friday in the Festival’s blue riband race, but has to do so off the back of two defeats at Leopardstown this season.
Casey, however, sounded a warning to rivals when speaking at a BOYLE Sports Cheltenham Preview night in Youghal, talking up the chances of Galopin Des Champs completing a historic Gold Cup hat-trick: “I think he’s got a big chance,” said Casey. “He ran in a stormer at Christmas off an interrupted preparation. I was a bit disappointed the last day in the Irish Gold Cup, but he was behind two very good horses in Fact To File and I Am Maximus. And maybe the Christmas run told on him, and he was probably a little bit flat.
“But just in the last week, his work has been absolutely brilliant. It's as good as I've seen him working all season. He's in really, really good order, and I'm really happy with him. It’s been as good as he worked before he won the Gold Cup previously, if not better.”
Gaelic Warrior In Line For Gold Cup Run
Casey also revealed he expects Gaelic Warrior to line up in the Gold Cup on the final day of the Festival, with stablemate Fact To File instead aimed at defending his crown in the Ryanair Chase.
“I think Fact the File will run in the Ryanair and Gaelic Warrior will go for the Gold Cup. It hasn't been decided, it’s just the vibes I get. The owner will have Spillane’s Tower, and now there's a positive word coming for last year's winner in the Gold Cup too, Inothewayurthinkin. I know that they’re thinking that he worked well, and that says to me that maybe they're thinking about keeping Fact To File for the Ryanair.
“He was a really impressive winner last year. I don't think both Fact To File and Gaelic Warrior will run in the Ryanair; I don't see that happening at all. But I think whichever one runs in the race will win.”
Bet on Horse Racing Odds at BOYLE Sports
Prices are subject to fluctuation.
Remember, Always Gamble Responsibly.
