TOP OF THE WARNING

Townend chasing another Cheltenham fix

- BY CRAIG SWAN

PILOT TO THE STARS Townend reunites with Kopek Des Bordes, main, as he looks to build on his Galopin Des Champs glory, right

PAUL TOWNEND admits bagging Festival winners goes beyond a thrill... it's an addiction.

The Irishman heads back to Cheltenham to ride another full book of devastating Willie Mullins talents.

Every day this week Townend will have the pick of the Closutton elite and winners look all but certain.

He has bagged 38 in his career and has a serious chance of breaking Ruby Walsh' record of 59 before he's done.

Townend could also eclipse the record of the late Pat Taaffe by riding the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner for a fifth time to follow two wins each for Al Boum Photo and Galopin Des Champs.