Paul Townend trails Jack Kennedy by four winners (123-119) going into Saturday’s final programme of the season
State Man with Paul Townend and trainer Willie Mullins after winning the Boodles Champion Hurdle during day four of the Punchestown Festival. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA
Having last weekend emulated the legendary Vincent O’Brien by being crowned champion jumps trainer in Britain, Mullins passed out another venerated racing figure with Ballyburn’s success in the Alanna Champion Novices Hurdle officially setting the new mark.Teahupoo takes Jack Kennedy a step closer to landing first jockeys’ championship
“I’m privileged to be beside someone like Dermot Weld. He went to Australia and won the Melbourne Cup and to America to win the Belmont Stakes. Anytime you can do something that Dermot Weld did I’m in very privileged company. Paul Townend hopes such strength in depth might still work for him on Saturday’s season finale as he closed the gap on Jack Kennedy to four in the race to be champion jockey. He trails his rival 123-119 after riding both Grade One winners.
“It’s so simple to ride this lad and that’s probably why I have such a soft spot for him. You can leave the weigh room, get to the start, make it up as you go along, and he’ll get you out of trouble.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
I Am Maximus crowned 2024 Grand National winnerIrish succes at Aintree as owner JP McManus, trainer Willie Mullins and jockey Paul Townend celebrate.
Read more »
Willie Mullins becomes most successful-ever Irish trainer with Punchestown winBallyburn delivered the historic victory for Mullins in the Champion Hurdle.
Read more »
Grand National crucial to Willie Mullins’s chances of landing British trainers’ titleCork jockey Aidan Coleman announces retirement after admitting defeat in efforts to return from serious leg injuries
Read more »
Money flooding in for Willie Mullins-trained Meetingofthewaters ahead of Grand NationalMoney has been flooding in for the Willie Mullins-trained Meetingofthewaters ahead of this week's Grand National. The seven-year-old finished third behind Chianti Classico and Twig in the Ultima at the Cheltenham Festival last month, shortly after being purchased by JP McManus from Paul Byrne. William Hill say money started to come for the Paddy Power Chase winner last week and that there is now a 'massive gamble' on the son of Court Cave. The gamble has seen Meetingofthewaters' odds fall from 14/1 to 8/1 and the betting firm believe he could go off favourite for the race on the day.
Read more »
Il Etait Temps topples hot-favourite Gaelic Warrior in Willie Mullins 1-2-3The six-year-old came into the race on the back of a successful season, within which he has won the Irish Arkle, finished third in the Arkle itself and then claimed the Manifesto Chase at Aintree last time out
Read more »
Fighting on all fronts leaves little sign Willie Mullins won’t continue to dominate Punchestown festivalDinoblue heads record-breaking trainer’s team into end of season finale worth €3.5m prizemoney
Read more »