Willie Mullins: Galopin Des Champs primed for Cheltenham Gold Cup battle

Willie Mullins is confident Galopin Des Champs will put up a staunch defence of his crown in next month's Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The eight-year-old was a brilliant winner of the blue riband last season, a third Gold Cup triumph in five years for the Festival's most successful trainer following the back-to-back victories of Al Boum Photo in 2019 and 2020.

Galopin Des Champs was beaten by Fastorslow at the end of last season and at the start of the current campaign, but roared back to his best with a stunning Savills Chase success over Christmas before taking his revenge on Fastorslow when plundering his second Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown earlier this month.

Speaking at his annual press morning ahead of the sport's showcase fixture in four weeks' time, Mullins appeared more than happy with the condition of his star performer ahead of his return to the Cotswolds.

"He's come out of his race in Leopardstown very well and I'm very happy. It's going to be a tip-top Gold Cup I think. We're in great form," he said.

Another brilliant battle between Galopin Des Champs and Fastorslow and it's Paul Townend who claims glory in the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup. pic.twitter.com/2qfNs4JWFQ

The Closutton handler feels a change to more positive tactics has played a significant part in Galopin Des Champs' mini resurgence as the division's top dog.

Paul Townend was widely lauded for the patience he showed in last year's Gold Cup, but it seems highly likely he will be ridden closer to the speed this time around.

Mullins added: "I'd wanted him ridden off the pace the two years before as I felt he was too keen and I didn't want him getting drawn into a battle, but this year I don't mind.

"He's bigger and stronger, well certainly stronger but he's