Mullins adopting a sanguine outlook after Galopin ruled out

Willie Mullins is maintaining a sanguine outlook after having to rule out Galopin Des Champs from Cheltenham, and the rest of the season, following a setback on Friday.

The dual Gold Cup winner, successful 12 times at Grade 1 level, was second to Inothewayurthinkin in his bid for three-in-a-row in the festival showpiece last year and had finished third in two outings at Leopardstown this term.

"It was disappointing, of course. However, I look at it the other way around and what great days we had," said Mullins on Saturday.

Chatting to Greg and Audrey Turley (owners) yesterday evening, we said let's enjoy the good days he gave us and their family. That's the way I look at it.

"I'm happier it happened at home and not on the racecourse. He could have been disappointing at Cheltenham, and then we discover he's injured. He was in great order and it was his final gallop, so there we are.

With Galopin Des Champs sidelined and Fact To File heading for the Ryanair Chase on Thursday, Gaelic Warrior is Mullins' sole representative amongst 14 confirmations for Friday's Gold Cup and stable jockey Paul Townend looks likely to ride the eight-year-old.

Patrick Mullins was on board Gaelic Warrior when the Maxios gelding chased home Fact To File, with Galopin Des Champs back in third, in the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup last month.

"Gaelic Warrior is in great shape.

"It's disappointing for Patrick obviously, but the horse is in tip-top order and Fact To File is as well."

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes