Off The Fence: Galopin Des Champs flawless on return to Punchestown, says Barry Geraghty | race news
Off The Fence: Galopin Des Champs flawless on return to Punchestown, says Barry Geraghty | race news
#Fence #Galopin #Des #Champs #flawless #return #Punchestown #Barry #Geraghty #race #news Welcome to InNewCL, here is the new story we have for you today:
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Barry Geraghty has described Cheltenham Gold Cup favorite Galopin Des Champs’ reappearance in the John Durkan Chase as “impeccable”.
Willie Mullins’ star chaser won a fourth grade one in the first round of the season at Punchestown, clearing Fakir D’oudairies to win by 13 lengths.
That win made him the 7/4 favorite for the Blue Riband event at the Cheltenham Festival, with Gold Cup winner Geraghty admitting it was pretty much the perfect re-appearance.
Image: Galopin Des Champs and Paul Townend win the John Durkan
“Oh, he was very impressive in every way,” Geraghty told the Off The Fence podcast. “The only thing we needed to see from him was to relax because he’s gotten a little aggressive in his racing style over the last season.
“He was a bit brave on his jumps for the same reason, but he was very relaxed from the start.
“Lifetime Ambition took her and he shut down and Paul [Townend] was very comfortable at every stage.
“He was brave on a jump or two, but in general he was very smart. He got to the third last, pinged the second last, measured the last really well and pulled away from Fakir D’oudairies who is a good horse.
“He beat him by 13 lengths so it was a very good performance and you couldn’t find fault with me.”
Geraghty was similarly impressed with the chasing debut of 2021 Supreme winner Appreciate It, who won in decent fashion on Monday at the same Punchestown map.
Pictured: Paul Townend celebrates winning the BoyleSports Gold Cup Novice Chase on Galopin Des Champs at the Fairyhouse
He also felt Appreciate It had enough pace to stay over two miles and make an attempt at the Arkle rather than stepping up the ride later in the year.
“His jumping was very good and he made it very easy for Paul,” he added. “However, he took the last one with a long step and Paul had to squeeze him.
“It could have been a costly mistake but he was very professional and cantered away well.
“I think he could improve the ride if he wants, but he’s shown that pace in the Supreme, albeit two years ago in March.
“It wasn’t a problem then and I can’t imagine a problem either because he’s so good at jumping over a fence and that’s a big help because he finds some speed there.”
Meet the Off The Fence team
Barry Geraghty
After a 24-year riding career that produced 43 Cheltenham Festival successes, Gold Cup and Grand National winner Barry Geraghty is now retired and is returning to At The Races, with whom he had a fruitful relationship between 2012 and 2019 as an ambassador and columnist.
Barry is a legendary National Hunt driver who is still well connected and races at some of the sport’s biggest yards. He’s won everything there is to win in jump racing and will be giving Off The Fence viewers a raw look every week.
Vanessa Ryle
A popular member of InNewCL Sports Racing’s on-track presenter team, Vanessa, who also hosts The Bloodstock Show, is an avid racing fan and is tasked with piloting her fellow analysts Off The Fence each week.
Tony Keenan
Irish tipster and attheraces.com analyst Tony Keenan has also played a leading role alongside Barry at ATR’s Cheltenham Preview Nights in Dublin since 2017.
As sharp-tongued as he is perceptive, Tony’s regular one-of-a-kind recordings and no-nonsense delivery will no doubt keep Off The Fence viewers (and Barry and Vanessa!) on their toes.
