Townends on the mark with Rashid

A better leap at the last sealed the deal for Port Rashid as Jody Townend secured her first success 'under rules' on her father Tim's gelding in the second of the maiden hurdles at Tramore.

The race developed into a duel between Port Rashid and Hurricane Volta after they claimed front-runner Winter Soldier before the second last.

A mistake by Hurricane Volta at the final flight gave the advantage to the Townends' horse and the 11/4 shot kept on best on the run-in to secure a half length success over the 33/1 shot.

20-year-old Jody Townend, sister of former champion Paul, had ridden four winners in point-to-points. Paul finished back in sixth on 9/4 favourite Winter Soldier and the winning rider said:-

"At least I beat Paul! It's brilliant to get it, and to ride it for dad especially.

“I've had three wins this season in the point-to-point's, thank God because I only had one before that. I'm twenty and I'm at home all the time with dad.

“I ride out in Willie Mullins' on a Tuesday, it's good to be riding the good horses up there as well. I ride one tomorrow at Fairyhouse for John Joe Walsh, hopefully he'll run well."

(Quotes by Donal Murphy)