Paul Townend made it a winning return to the saddle after a lengthy absence when landing The Live Music After Racing Apprentice Handicap aboard the Willie Mullins trained Deutschland for owner Allan McLuckie.

Townend raced the Red Ransom gelding in mid-division, made progress approaching straight, ridden to challenge 1f out and kept on well to lead close home and deny the Charlie Swan trained Rajik by 3/4 length.

Townend has been absent since the Fairyhouse Easter Festival after breaking his finger and had an operation on it during The Punchestown Festival.