Paul Townend has sealed his fourth Irish champion jump jockey title after moving onto 100 winners for the season this evening.
Gaillard Du Mesnil provided that century victory by picking up a two and a quarter lengths win in the Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle after rival Bob Olinger was a late withdrawal.
At the end of this evening's card at Punchestown, Townend's lead had stretched to 100-92 over Cheltenham Queen Rachael Blackmore.
“It’s brilliant,” remarked a beaming Townend of retaining his crown. “I’ve been doing a bit of sweating the last couple of weeks. I’m riding for the champion trainer so I’m probably supposed to be champion jockey. It’s nice to be it though.
“The momentum Rachael had coming out of Cheltenham. Then when I saw her doing what she did in Aintree. Everything was happening for her.
“I was lucky I had the support of Willie and his team. Ruby Walsh is a big part of it still. David Casey is very helpful to me at home and Patrick Mullins as well. And the rest of the jockeys…we all work together as a team.
“A lot of work went into getting me here and thankfully we’ve produced a couple of winners.”
