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Alan Magee

Alan Magee

Townend back with a winner

Thu 5th Nov 2015, 13:46

Venitien De Mai falls at the last as He Is Top Class heads to victoryVenitien De Mai falls at the last as He Is Top Class heads to victory
© Photo Healy Racing

Paul Townend returned from a ten days suspension in the best possible fashion when partnering He Is Top Class to take the opening Thurles Beginners Chase.

The former champion was hit with a ten-day ban for dangerous riding on Vermout Fougeray at Tramore last month but was seen to good effect here on the easy to back 10/1 chance.

The Donie Hassett-trained gelding put in a fine round of jumping, and kept on well from the last to score by two and a half lengths. Some Drama edged out Swantykay by a short-head for the runner-up spot, while 6/4 favourite Venitien De Mai was about two lengths off the winner when falling at the last.

Hassett's son and assistant Brian said, "He deserved that to be fair to him as he's been unlucky a few times and should have won a few more.

"The plan coming here was to let him off but Paul says to keep him going. We'll look at a handicap chase in two or three weeks time as he's hardly good enough for a novice."

Townend said, "He jumped deadly, and was nearly too good up the back. He's been consistent and was promising to win a beginners chase, and he's done it now.

"The ground is loose, it's yielding to soft. He's not a winter horse, so if we get a lot of rain that could be it for him."

(TW & AM)

About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.