Champion Jockey Title May Be Out Of Rach..

Blow for Blackmore.. but Mullins back to his best on day one of Punchestown

- Trevor Quinn

Paul Townend dented Rachael Blackmore’s bid to be crowned Irish champion jockey at Punchestown yesterday as Chacun Pour Soi was back to his brilliant best.

And legendary trainer Willie Mullins enjoyed remarkable success on the opening day of the festival with five winners as his string of superstars landed the spoils.

Townend, who steered Chacun Pour Soi to a convincing victory in the Champion Chase, increased his lead over Blackmore to five (96-91) wins in the race for the prestigious title.

The Cork rider, who returned from three weeks out with a foot injury, said: “Wow, that was the proper Chacun Pour Soi. I was so disappointed for the horse and everyone at Cheltenham when he got beat because I just think the world BIG DAY Top trainer Willie Mullins of him. It’s some thrill to ride a horse like this. He showed the real horse today.”