UPDATED 2:36PM, APR 25 2021
Irish champion jockey Paul Townend will make a timely return to the saddle on the opening day of the Punchestown Festival after being booked to ride in each of Tuesday's three Grade 1s, providing a huge boost for the Willie Mullins team ahead of the biggest week in Irish jump racing.
Townend has been sidelined since injuring his foot after falling from Egality Mans at Fairyhouse earlier in the month, an injury which forced him to miss the Grand National meeting at Aintree, but he has been declared fit to ride at the five-day extravaganza.
The 30-year-old’s return comes at the perfect time as he is coming under increasing pressure from Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand National winner Rachael Blackmore in the race to be Ireland’s leading jockey this season.