Paul Townend sets the early pace in the Jump Jockeys’ Championship and the former Champion steered his tenth winner this new term, and his second of the day, at Down Royal today landing the O2 Handicap Chase on the Garrett Power trained Curragh Golan

Townend was earlier successful on the patiently ridden The Jazz Singer and again produced Curragh Golan with another fine waiting ride when edging him to the front close home, for a neck win over fellow veteran and 11 year old Coldstonesober

Curragh Golan was today scoring a seventh career success at the grand age of 12 and with Power on lead-up duties, Townend later stated “when he got there today he could have thrown in the towel but he fought well. He's a summer horse and Garrett did a great job keeping him fresh.”

The win moves Townend two clear of Sean Flanagan at the head of the Jockeys’ Championship, with current Champion Ruby Walsh currently on six wins.

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Michael Graham