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Davy Russell has seen it all at Cheltenham, writes Harry Crichton.

He knows what it takes to win a Gold Cup, and he knows a generational talent when he sees one. That’s why he has no doubt that Galopin Des Champs is the one they all have to beat.

The reigning champion extended his dominance in the Irish Gold Cup, sealing a third successive victory in the race at Leopardstown. The competition tried to unsettle him early, but Paul Townend’s mount brushed them aside. 

For Willie Mullins, it was a familiar sight. After his record-extending 14th win in the race, Mullins hailed the nine-year-old as ‘the best chaser I’ve trained’ – some accolade when you consider the competition.

He ran with rhythm, jumped fluently, and stretched away from the last as though it were routine. 

But Galopin Des Champs wasn’t always this assured. As a novice, he was keen, erratic - raw power without precision. That side of him was laid bare at Cheltenham in 2022, when he crashed out with victory in sight in the Turners Novices’ Chase.

Now, he has matured - measured, controlled, relentless. Russell watched it all unfold from home – a move he regretted.

“I should have come yesterday, it really was spectacular,” he said following Sunday’s racing, for which he was in attendance. 

“On different times he could run a race a bit keenly, he made a few mistakes as a novice, he was so flamboyant. But yesterday he was like a cat. 

“I could just see Paul, the minute he jumped off he was just so happy. I felt the whole way it was just a joy to watch, it really was fantastic.”

The next step is completing a remarkable Cheltenham Gold Cup hat-trick, which Russell feels he is well placed to do. 

“Oh definitely,” he said. “I do think he is the one they all have to beat. Obviously at Cheltenham they’re all going to be pitched in there together and it is going to be a very tough race, but he has proved in the past that he is well able for it. 

“Just get him there healthy and safe now, all in one piece, then he is the one they all have to beat.”

Only three horses have won three consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cups since the Second World War - Best Mate, Arkle, and Cottage Rake. Galopin Des Champs is 8-13 with Paddy Power to join them. 

Fact To File, beaten again at Leopardstown, is expected to step aside and head for the Ryanair. The path is clear.

Russell marvels at Galopin’s bottomless stamina. “He does need three mile plus but he has so much stamina and I would say you could send him five miles if you really wanted. He’s just an exceptional horse.”

He was equally struck by another performance at Leopardstown - Majborough, the rising star of the novice chasing division. 

The five-year-old made it five wins from five, storming to victory in the Irish Arkle. He lost stride four out, ran keen early - but when it mattered, he took flight. From the third-last, he was imperious.

“He really caught the eye,” said Russell. “He looked visually that he was doing things wrong the whole way, that he was a bit keen, he missed a couple of fences. But I really loved, from the third last home he was just so good over the last three fences. He just bent his knees at the last and extended the whole way to the line. He’s another very talented horse.”

Majborough and Sir Gino, both unbeaten over fences, are set to collide in the Arkle at Cheltenham. The JP McManus-owned chaser has been trimmed to 9-4 with Betfair, but Sir Gino remains favourite at 5-6. 

The two never met as juveniles. Now, their first clash is set to be a blockbuster.

“The strength and depth in the country is unreal and it’s great to see,” Russell added.

Irish racing, already dominant at Cheltenham, is set to lay down another marker.