Left school at 15, has made millions and yet still an unsung hero – Paul Townend could be one of our best jockeys ever

10 months ago 70

COULD jockey Paul Townend be one of the best we have seen? I’m beginning to think so.

Quietly Townend gets on with his job, but don’t for one minute underestimate the role he now plays in the success of Ireland’s all-dominant jumps handler Willie Mullins.

Mullins and Townend look set for a whole load of Festival winners – but is the top jockey underrated?[/caption]

As we gear up for the Cheltenham Festival to get under way two weeks on Tuesday, of course much of the attention is on the champion trainer across the Irish Sea.

Townend is not one to sing his talents from the rooftops.

My Saturday Nap

THE GALLOPING BEAR (2.08 Newcastle)

Is on the same mark as his gallant second in this race last year. This renewal looks weaker and I fancy a strong showing.

But he’s already banged in 28 Cheltenham Festival winners, and it’s not impossible he will get near Ruby Walsh’s record of 59 should he continue as Mullins’ main man for the next six to eight years.

When I spoke to Walsh this week, he made it clear he held Townend in the highest regard.

I suspect he’s an unsung hero, but he shouldn’t’ be.

The fact the man from Cork has already been Ireland’s champion jockey on six occasions tells its own story, while he has been the leading rider at Cheltenham three times.

Townend has always been a fascinating man to study.

In interviews butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth, and he’s not one to use three words when one will suffice.

But trust me there’s a terrific character in there.

Cheltenham 2024 could be his best yet, with defending champion Galopin Des Champs topping his possible mounts in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

But when you throw in Mares’ favourite Lossiemouth, novices Ballyburn and Tullyhill, Champion Chase hotpot El Fabiolo, as well as the likes of State Man and Il Etait Temps, it’s hard not to imagine a profitable Festival.

Townend grew up with horses, and rode ponies from a young age.

He says: “I started on the ponies when I was 12 or 13 and had a good bit of success. I left school at 15 and met Willie at Thurles and asked him for an apprenticeship. At the time I only knew him off the telly.

“When I won my first Gold Cup it took winning to a whole new level. A pure adrenalin rush. All I know is horses and racing.”

People talk about a golden era of jumps racing when the likes of AP McCoy, Walsh, Barry Geraghty, Davy Russell, Richard Johnson and Paul Carberry were riding against each other.

I believe Townend is right up there in that group.

ITV Racing mix the best of jumps and the Flat this afternoon, with action coming from where I will be at Kempton, as well as Newcastle and Southwell, where I’m excited to see one-time 9-2 Derby shot Military Order.

Two old warriors have the chance to shine in the big betting handicaps, with the 11-year-olds CAP DU NORD (3.37) and THE GALLOPING BEAR (2.08) going respectively in the Coral Trophy Chase at Kempton and Eider Chase at Newcastle.

On paper Cap Du Nord has no chance, even though he hails from the ultra shrewd yard of Christian Williams.

The eight-time winner, having his 55th start under Tristan Durrell who takes off 3lb, is out the handicap so carries more weight than he should.

He was well beaten when on 122 at Doncaster last time.

But I still believe he retains ability — he showed something at Donny when out wide for much of the race — and I’ll have a few quid eachway at long odds.

The Eider should be a trial for the Grand National, but not many of the runners could dream of being in the Aintree showpiece.

It’s hard to be strong on The Galloping Bear, although he was second last year off the same mark of 140.

That said, it’s not impossible he can go one better as he stays well and goes in mud so he does have every chance of reaching a place if producing his best.

Incredibly he’s only had 12 career starts. It almost makes you want to give him a bear hug. I will if he scores!