Galopin Des Champs was given the reception he so richly deserved as the Cheltenham Gold Cup hero enjoyed a homecoming parade through the village of Leighlinbridge on Tuesday evening.

Willie Mullins is bidding for a seventh win in eight years in the Savills New Year’s Day Chase at Tramore by fielding three of the five runners in the Grade Three race.

Cheltenham Gold Cup favourite Galopin Des Champs is the star name among eight horses confirmed for the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase on Sunday.

Willie Mullins is pinning his Cheltenham Gold Cup hopes on Galopin Des Champs – with no worries about the stamina-sapping trip at Prestbury Park.

Dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Al Boum Photo has been retired and will embark on a new career in eventing.