Redemption Day at Punchestown for Jody Townend

Redemption Day came from last to first to give rider Jody Townend a first Grade One win in the Race & Stay At Punchestown Champion I.N.H. Flat Race.

Trained by Willie Mullins, Redemption Day finished second in this contest two years ago before enduring a 611-day absence. But following a Fairyhouse win last month, he enjoyed his moment in the spotlight.

Stablemate Jasmin De Vaux was sent off the 6-4 favourite to follow up his Cheltenham bumper success, but Patrick Mullins was pushing along from some way out, while in contrast Townend was making smooth progress through the field having sat at the rear in the early stages.

Redemption Day was cantering over his rivals at the top of the straight and when Townend popped the question, he responded in style to run out a three-and-three-quarter-length winner.

The winning rider said: “Once he settles, he has some engine. He has the turn of foot of a Flat horse. With the turn of foot he has, once he settled, I actually didn’t mind what they did.

“He went so asleep again on me again, you’d wonder what he is going to do and how much he is going to find. He did the same in Fairyhouse, he just picks up and I was still there too soon again today. Thankfully, it paid off.

“I just love the horse, I was second on him two years ago to Facile Vega here.

“I’m delighted for the owner, Tim O’Driscoll, as he gave him plenty of time when got the injury and stuff, and it has paid off.”

On riding her first Grade One winner, she added: “I can’t believe it to be honest, it is unreal!”

Mullins was delighted to see Townend strike a blow at the highest level and said: “That’s fantastic for Jody, her first Grade One.

“She’s always does her own thing in her races and it works! We often discuss what’s going to happen but when the tape goes up, Jody just does what Jody wants to do.

“She’s had some success, so we just have to take our hats off to her.

“This horse missed a year and I thought he could be Champion Bumper material. I thought that I’d rather do that than go hurdling. He can go hurdling next season.

“He followed home Facile Vega here two years ago and that sort of form stands up every day of the week. It paid off.

“He could run on the Flat over a mile and a half or a mile and six.”