Inothewayurthinkin denies Galopin Des Champs at Cheltenham

Inothewayurthinkin, the favorite in multiple overseas futures books for the Grade 3 Grand National on April 5, justified the decision his connections made to supplement him into Friday's Cheltenham Gold Cup (G1).

Fourth behind Galopin Des Champs in the Irish Gold Cup (G1) last out, Inothewayurthinkin turned the tables Friday, winning in clear fashion and denying Galopin des Champs his third straight win in the prestigious feature of the Cheltenham festival.

Galopin Des Champs, the 2-5 favorite in the North American pari-mutuel pool, bided his time midfield toward the outside through much of the race. Despite being bothered at the 15th when longtime leader Ahoy Senor fell, he advanced to a threatening third approaching the fourth fence from home and challenged Gentlemensgame for the lead near three out.

Though Galopin Des Champs led into the second-to-last fence, he was not alone. Inothewayurthinkin loomed to his outside and moved to the lead approaching the final fence. He got over it well and bolted clear of the favorite, crossing the wire six lengths clear in the end. Galopin Des Champs held a clear second, 12 lengths ahead of Gentlemans Game.

Inothewayurthinkin completed the 3 miles, 2 1/2 furlongs in 6:40.00 over ground rated good to soft. He paid his backers $16.20 as the second favorite in the North American pari-mutuel pool.

Monty's Star, The Real Whacker, Royale Pagaille and Banbridge completed the order of finish. Ahoy Senor fell at the 15th fence, and Corbetts Cross fell at the second to last. Ahoy Senor was back up after his fall, and Great British Racing posted video on X of him being walked away from the racecourse. According to a report on X from ITV Racing, citing a statement from Cheltenham Racecourse, Corbetts Cross was fatally injured in his fall.

Trained by Gavin Cromwell and ridden by Mark Walsh, Inothewayurthinkin is a 7-year-old gelding by Walk in the Park out of the Califet mare Sway. His victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup extended his career record to 15: 5-2-2. It was his second victory at the top level, after his victory in the Mildmay Novices' Chase (G1) in April 2024.

The win was the first Cheltenham Gold cup victory for both Cromwell and Walsh.

"There was no pressure on me," Walsh said in an interview with Racing TV. "All the pressure was on Paul (Townend) and Galopin Des Champs. I just went out and rode my race, and it all went to plan."

"A great thanks to J.P. (McManus, owner) and Noreen (McManus, breeder) for having the confidence to supplement," Cromwell said to Racing TV after the race. "They're just so good to train for. They're brilliant people."