Cork jockey Paul Townend lands four winners at Gowran Park

Lisgoold jockey Paul Townend was the show stopper at Gowran Park on Saturday as he registered a superb four-timer for trainer Willie Mullins.

It was a serious statement of intent from the combination three weeks before the Cheltenham Festival. Townend and Mullins landed the day's featured races on Red Mills day, which attracted a bumper crowd to the picturesque Kilkenny venue.

The undoubted highlight came in the featured €40,000 Grade Two Red Mills Chase aboard Impaire Et Passe.

This is already a candidate for ride of the season. Impaire Et Passe, a smart hurdler, hasn't always convinced with his jumping technique. He was making his seasonal reappearance but had been seen working in public in the high-profile racecourse gallop with the Fermoy-owned star novice chaser Kopek Des Bordes, who is second favourite for the Arkle Chase.

Impaire Et Passe, who had come out second best in that gallop, advertised the claims of Willie Mullins’ Arkle contender. 

He appeared to be in a spot of bother turning in, but quickened up well in the testing conditions to justify strong market support into 4/9. 

Ultimately, he swooped from last to first under a Townend masterclass to win by a length and a quarter from Sa Fureur, who looked the winner jumping the last. Those who bet the skinny fractions had many anxious moments in a tactical race. 

Townend paid tribute to the winner afterwards: "I was in the wrong position but luckily I was on the best horse." 

KEY

The winner pinged the second-last which was pivotal as it gave him momentum going into the last. He came into the race with five Grade One victories on his CV. His victory will certainly please Charlie McCarthy, who owns Kopek Des Bordes, currently second favourite for the Arkle.

Townend and Mullins also combined to land the Grade Three Red Mills Trial Hurdle with Storm Heart. He'd been impressive at Limerick on his reappearance. He'd always looked useful during his juvenile campaign.

Like Impaire Et Passe, he appeared to be in trouble on the run to the final flight.

Workahead, who'd clearly improved from Naas, was still in front and looked set for victory. However, Storm Heart dug deep, responding to Townend's urgings and eventually won by a length and a half. Townend paid tribute to his response.

“He stuck it out really well and he got a good jump at the last when he needed it.” The winner is starting to justify the lofty reputation he had after his juvenile debut. There is no denying he has a definite preference for soft and heavy ground.

Townend initiated his four-timer in the opening 4Y0 Maiden Hurdle on the well-supported Madness d’Elle. The 2/5 favourite landed the race for Mullins for the second consecutive season.

He recouped the heavy losses incurred when beaten on his Irish debut at Punchestown.

Townend completed his four-timer on King Alexander 4/9 favourite, who made all for a snug victory in the Beginners Chase. He'd been unlucky here in a head bobber on Thyestes Day. The only anxious moment for those who bet the short odds came at the third from home when he collided with Ballybow.

Townend edged back into the lead approaching the second last and he stretched clear close home for an easy three-length victory over stable companion Yoradreamer who belied his 40/1 odds.