Townend to the rescue at Cork

Paul Townend was responsible for one of the rides of the season at Cork today, getting odds-on punters out of a sticky spot, to record an extraordinary win on Willie Mullins' 4/6 favourite Sweet My Lord in the opening Buttevant Maiden Hurdle.

Sweet My Lord led from four out and held a narrow lead, traveling well at the next flight. However the horse appeared to 'step' at the obstacle, almost catapulting Townend out of the saddle, dropped to third (and matched at 31/1 on Betfair) and left the youngster without the aid of irons for the last two hurdles.

To Townend's credit though, he steered the gelding back into contention and a good jump at the final flight, where he moved to the front, helped him record a two and a half lengths win over Northern Rocker

Townend later reported “Sweet My Lord stepped at the hurdle but had jumped great up until then. My right leather and iron bounced over to the other side and I was forced to ride without irons thereafter.”

Regarding Sweet My Lord, winning trainer Willie Mullins mentioned “he is entitled to run in a race at the Punchestown Festival now and he may even run in the Grade 1 four year old hurdle.”