Eight rivals for Galopin Des Champs in Gold Cup

Galopin Des Champs – the red-hot favourite as he bids for three successive wins in the Cheltenham Gold Cup – will face a maximum of eight rivals in Friday’s feature race. 

Willie Mullins’ stable star has been in imperious form on his last two starts and will again bid to see off Gentlemansgame and The Real Whacker who were both pulled up in the race 12 months ago. 

The favourite’s biggest challenge this year could come from King George VI Chase winner Banbridge, Inowthewayurthinkin – who was fifth behind Galopin Des Champs at Christmas and one place closer last month – and Monty’s Star who was fifth at Leopardstown last time out. 

The field is completed by Corbetts Cross, Royal Pagaille and Ahoy Senor. 

With the race dominated by Irish-trained runners, it is unlikely to have a sizeable effect on the David Power Jockeys’ Cup leaderboard, though the same can’t be said for Friday’s Triumph Hurdle. 

Leading domestic fancies East India Dock (Sam Twiston-Davies) and Lulamba (Nico De Boinville) are amongst the 18 declarations. Palladium, a spare ride for Harry Cobden, will miss the race due to a setback.