Blackmore closes Championship gap

Championship-chasing jockey Rachael Blackmore won a 'six-pointer' at Punchestown today as she filled in for Willie Mullins' injured stable jockey and rival Paul Townend on the Champion Trainer's Klassy Kay winner of the Punchestown Onwards (Mares) Handicap Hurdle.

Klassy Kay today scored a four lengths win over Exit To The West moving Blackmore to within one winner of Townend (70-69) at the head of the Jockeys' Championship.

Afterwards trainer Mullins reported “the form of her third at Clonmel the last day has worked out well.

“Going up in trip is suiting her as well and she’ll have to go up a bit in grade now.

“I think as we go into the spring, drier ground will suit her and she might be able to win a nice handicap at one of the spring Festivals.”

Mullins, completing a double on the day, indicated that Townend, who injured a shoulder at Fairyhouse yesterday, is due to return to action next weekend.

Quotes from Alan Magee