Three out of three for returning Townend

Paul Townend made it a perfect three out of three for the day when 7/4 favourite Hi Ho Phoenix easily landed the Fairyhouse 2022 Annual Pass Maiden Hurdle.

Wille Mullins' grey five-year-old, placed in all three bumper outings last term, tracked the leaders before hitting the front three out and went clear before the last to defeat Simply Shabra by nine lengths.

Townend, who scored on Blue Lord and Stattler for Mullins in the two beginners' chases earlier on the card, remarked: “It was a lovely day to come back with no big pressure rides and three good chances. It couldn’t have gone any better.

“I think jumping has improved this horse so much. He really enjoyed it and will jump a fence in time.

“He was improving in all his bumper runs and I think he will keep improving.”

Quotes from Alan Magee