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Galopin Des Champs ran away from Stattler and Fury Road to take the Irish Gold Cup and further enhance his Cheltenham Gold Cup credentials; Paul Townend guided the star chaser to the front over the last and pulled clear for a ready victory
Galopin Des Champs dispelled any stamina doubts when running away with the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup, cementing his Cheltenham credentials in the process.
There were still plenty in with a chance half a mile out when The Big Dog departed who was in the process of running a huge race.
At that point in the race, Davy Russell took it upon himself to lay down his challenge on Fury Road as he went up to challenge Stattler, but Paul Townend was stalking the pair on the 30-100 favourite.
The three got close together on the run to the last, with Fury Road was awkward at it. That left Galopin Des Champs with the initiative and while it briefly looked like it may be hard work, he soon pulled well clear.
Having his first run at three miles over fences, the extra distance at Cheltenham looks unlikely to pose a problem on this evidence as he drew away to win by eight lengths clear. Stattler ran back on to reclaim the runner-up spot.
"He was very professional and Paul was happy where he was throughout the race," said Mullins.
"He was happy that he was settled coming through. He said after the race that he had plenty in the tank and he was never worried at any time during the race about where he was.