Fairyhouse Saturday review: Paul Townend back in style
By Sporting Life
08:19 · SUN December 12, 2021
Paul Townend made the perfect return to the saddle at Fairyhouse on Saturday - riding a treble for Willie Mullins.
Fairyhouse Saturday review
Paul Townend made the perfect return to the saddle when completing a treble for Willie Mullins at Fairyhouse.
Blue Lord provided Ireland’s champion jockey with the perfect comeback on his first mount back from injury when winning Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase.
Townend had been out of action since dislocating his shoulder in a fall at Listowel in September. He had hoped to be back last weekend for a host of Willie Mullins-trained big guns but gave himself an extra week just to be on the safe side.
Blue Lord (8/11 favourite), who would have been second in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at last season’s Cheltenham Festival but for falling at the last when well clear of the eventual runner-up, had clearly done plenty of schooling at home.
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He barely put a foot wrong on his way to winning, seeing off stablemate El Barra by five and a half lengths. Sky Bet make him 20/1 from 33s for the Sporting Life Arkle, Betfair and Paddy Power are 14s from 25/1.
“It’s nice to be back and especially on the likes of him,” said Townend. “He was very straightforward and he loves a fence. He’s matured a lot both physically and mentally. He did very well during the summer and he’s looking for the next fence to take it on.”
Stattler was the next winner with a smooth chasing debut win of his own.
He picked up stable-companion Fighter Allen between the last two fences of the Fairyhouse Supporting Irishinjuredjockeys.com Beginners Chase to win, unextended, by six lengths.
Betfair and Paddy Power make him a 9/2 chance for the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham. Sky Bet go 6s.
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“He’s similar to the first fella in that he loves jumping fences. He’s matured as well and they have both made the transition really well,” said Townend.
“He showed a turn of foot from the back of the second last up to the line that surprised me a bit. He picked up Fighter Allen nicely. It’s a perfect start for him and you would imagine he will make into a staying chaser. It was an ideal trip to start him over.”
Regarding his long absence from the saddle Townend admitted he had found it hard being on the sidelines for so long.
“It’s been a long and painful recovery and I’ve just been taking it day by day and listening to the professionals as to when I could come back riding,” he said.
Townend's only other ride on the card - Hi Ho Phoenix - was as cut above his rivals in the Fairyhouse 2022 Annual Pass Maiden Hurdle.
In front turning in it was only a question of how far he'd win by - the answer at the line was seven lengths - with Simply Shabra second.
On completing his treble Townend said: “It was a lovely day to come back with no big pressure rides and three good chances. It couldn’t have gone any better.
“I think jumping has improved this horse so much. He really enjoyed it and will jump a fence in time. He was improving in all his bumper runs and I think he will keep improving.”
