Townend shines again in Fairyhouse opener

The novice handicap hurdle was the opener on Irish Grand National day at Fairyhouse and it produced a thrilling finish as Implicit (9/2) got up in the final stride to thwart Ossie's Lodge by a nose. 

The latter got a dream run up the inner to dispute at the final flight with Implicit who had made steady headway from the back of the field. The winner lunged at the last which handed the initiative to Ossie's Lodge but Paul Townend galvanised the daughter of Authorised and she was in front where it mattered. 

David Casey, assistant to winning trainer Willie Mullins, said:- “The pilot was very good again, as he usually is. It looked like they went very hard, Paul dropped her in got her relaxed and came with one run. 

“Obviously he just got there and I thought it was a brilliant ride. I don't know what way it would have gone if the horse (Boher Road, clear when exiting spectacularly three out) didn't run out but she's improving. 

“I'd imagine she'll go to Punchestown and you'll probably see her through the summer as well, she should go on better ground as well.”

Quotes from Gary Carson