Paul's The Talk Of The Town

Top jockey pulling away in race for champion’s title

- Trevor Quinn

Paul Townend extended his lead over Rachael Blackmore to six in the champion jockey race yesterday at Punchestown as Galopin Des Champs powered to victory.

The winning combination of Willie Mullins and the Corkman struck gold again in the Irish Mirror Novice Hurdle as the 13/8 favourite came home well clear of Gentlemansgame.

There was an eerie silence once more at the racecourse as tens of thousands of punters were sorely missed due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Only jockeys, owners, trainers, race officials, medical personnel, vets and the media were allowed on the hallowed grounds as lockdown continues.

But the lack of the famous Punchestown crowd didn’t stop an exciting evening of racing on the second day of the festival.

Townend now looks set to be crowned champion jockey after Blackmore finished fifth on Telmesomethinggirl in the same race and had another disappointing day.