Paul Townend produced arguably one of his finest rides to win on the Willie Mullins trained City Slicker in the Punchestown Rated Hurdle at Punchestown today completing a double and treble, respectively, on the day for both men.

Townend had his hands full on the J.P. McManus owned runner throughout the race but managed to settle the 'hard-puller' behind the leaders. Townend left City Slicker move to the front from two out, and from there the pair maintained their lead for a three lengths win over 5/6f Un Beau Matin

Mullins, earlier successful with the Townend ridden Vautour and with the David Casey partnered Glens Melody at Warwick, revealed “he's (City Slicker) a very difficult to ride and myself and Paul (Townend) were going to make the running with him. However just as I was about to leg Paul up, Frank (Berry, McManus' racing manager) suggested we should hold him up as there were only seven runners.

“I didn't think Paul would be able to hold him but he got him anchored in behind one or two and it worked and it has now opened up a whole new vista for the horse because he can now go out in trip.

“It looked today like he might settle in another one or two more runs and that will make a huge difference to him because, previous to today, he has been way too free but now we might be able to get the ability he has out of him. I think he'll be a lovely horse over fences next year and he should settle better over fences.”

By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee.