Winning return for Townend

Champion jockey Paul Townend made the perfect return from injury as his first ride back, 8/11 favourite Blue Lord made all in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase.

Townend, who had been out of action with a damaged shoulder after a fall at Listowel in September, got some good leaps out of the chasing debutant who was in the front rank throughout.

Willie Mullins’ French-bred, twice placed at Grade 1 level as a novice hurdler, asserted between the final two fences to beat stablemate El Barra by five and a half lengths.

He was given a quote of 14/1, from 25s, by Paddy Power for the Sporting Life Arkle Chase.

"It’s nice to be back and especially on the likes of him2 said Townend.

“He was very straightforward and he loves a fence. He’s matured a lot both physically and mentally.

“He did very well during the summer and he’s looking for the next fence to take it on.”

Quotes from Alan Magee