Townend doubles up with first winner for Peter Fahey

Paul Townend ended the Galway festival with five winners and as the Leading N.H. Jockey and today bagged an opening races double at Wexford when steering a first winner for trainer Peter Fahey on Twilight Girl in the Nore Handicap Hurdle.

Twilight Girl today benefitted from a patient Townend ride having produced her to lead when making a mistake at the final flight. The daughter of Craigsteel swished her tail on the run-in but maintained a gallop to record a three lengths win over Comporta

Townend's Galway week was a success despite picking the wrong Willie Mullins trained horse Buildmeupbuttercup, the eventual fifth in the Galway Hurdle, won by Aramon.

Champion Jockey Townend won the half hour earlier maiden hurdle with Hybery and following his second success stated "that was a nice spare to get. I hadn't ridden her before and haven't ridden for Peter a whole lot and Kevin (Sexton, stable jockey) had to go to Sligo.

“I'd say it just worked out for us today. We didn't go quick and she has had her day. She had one or two decent runs along the way and it was probably a weak enough contest today."

Quotes from Donal Murphy