Townend doubles up on Hall

Paul Townend secured a double at Wexford this evening when Konig Hall rewarded his supporters in the two-mile handicap hurdle.

Townend produced his mount to lead two from home and he stuck on best in the closing stages to repel the challenge of Drakaina by two-and-three-quarter lengths.

The Anthony McCann-trained winner had traded at 7/1 this morning and was sent to post the 9/2 favourite.

He had been well held on the Flat at Limerick four days ago but had previously chased home Golden Poet over timber at Kilbeggan.

McCann said: "I thought he was never going to win over hurdles to tell you the truth. He always got one to beat him and I thought the one coming on the outside was going to do him again today. He actually went on and picked up again.

"You can put a line through him last run at Limerick. He backed off with the visor on. I put the visor on because I thought he didn't go through with his race at Kilbeggan.

"I put the cheekpieces back on him today and they seemed to work. Paul gave him a very good ride. Johnny Moore was supposed to ride him but he is away on holidays.

"It was a well-deserved win.

"He'll probably stay over hurdles. I can't understand why he is not putting it in on the Flat, he might have another go on it, I think he is very well-handicapped on the Flat."

(Quotes by Donal Murphy)