All eyes are on the legendary Galopin Des Champs this weekend as the star gelding aims to secure a historic fourth victory in the prestigious Irish Gold Cup. The highly anticipated race is scheduled for Saturday at Leopardstown, but the event faces significant uncertainty due to severe weather conditions. Both the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown and the card at Sandown Park are under threat from heavy rainfall, with officials calling for precautionary inspections on Saturday morning.
Weather Woes Cast Shadow Over Major Racing Weekend
Prospects for what is arguably the most valuable and significant weekend of racing in the build-up to the Cheltenham Festival in March remain delicately balanced. On Friday evening, officials at both Leopardstown and Sandown announced inspections for Saturday morning, citing fears of overnight rain that could render the tracks unraceable.
Leopardstown, which is due to host eight Grade One races over the two-day Dublin Racing Festival, has endured nearly 200mm of rain over the past fortnight. Paddy Graffin, the clerk of the course at Leopardstown, stated that a fresh line of the hurdle track is currently fit to race despite 22mm of rain on Thursday night. However, he expressed concern about the potential for a further 10-20mm of rainfall. An inspection is set for 8am on Saturday to assess conditions.
Similar concerns prevail at Sandown Park, where a seven-race card featuring the Grade One Scilly Isles Novice Chase is planned. Andrew Cooper, Sandown's clerk of the course, announced a precautionary inspection for 7.30am on Saturday. He noted that both the hurdle and chase courses are currently raceable, but with further rain forecast from Friday afternoon into Saturday morning, the situation remains fluid.
Galopin Des Champs Poised for Record-Equalling Triumph
Despite the weather disruptions, the spotlight firmly remains on Galopin Des Champs. Trained by the masterful Willie Mullins, the dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner suffered a rare defeat at Leopardstown in December when finishing third behind Affordale Fury in the Savills Chase. It is worth noting, however, that this was his seasonal debut, a scenario in which he has been beaten first time up in both 2023 and 2024 before bouncing back to win a three-mile Grade One at Leopardstown on his next outing.
The gelding's performance in December suggested his immense talent remains largely intact. Saturday's sterner test on much softer ground is expected to play to his considerable strengths. A victory would see him match the legendary Florida Pearl's record of four wins in the Irish Gold Cup, cementing his own legacy in the sport.
Saturday's Key Selections and Tips
Should the racing go ahead, here are some of the key selections for Saturday's cards:
- Leopardstown 3.30: Galopin Des Champs is the standout selection to land the Irish Gold Cup and equal the race record.
- Sandown 12.55: Bollin Thou remains lightly raced and a 13lb rise may not halt his quest for a four-timer.
- Musselburgh 1.10: Made U Blush won with ease last time and benefits from a 7lb sex allowance.
- Sandown 2.40: Kala Conti, trained by Gordon Elliott, looks over-priced at around 9-4 to complete a hat-trick after an impressive switch to chasing.
- Leopardstown 2.55: Romeo Coolio appears to have a straightforward task as he bids for a third Grade One win of the campaign.
- Sandown 3.10: The recent rain suits Henri The Second, last season's runner-up, who can improve his excellent track record.
This weekend represents a critical juncture in the jump racing season, with major festival preparations at stake. All hopes now rest on the weather gods showing some mercy to allow these top-class contests to proceed.
