Townend back with a winner

Paul Townend returned from a ten days suspension in the best possible fashion when partnering He Is Top Class to take the opening Thurles Beginners Chase.

The former champion was hit with a ten-day ban for dangerous riding on Vermout Fougeray at Tramore last month but was seen to good effect here on the easy to back 10/1 chance.

The Donie Hassett-trained gelding put in a fine round of jumping, and kept on well from the last to score by two and a half lengths. Some Drama edged out Swantykay by a short-head for the runner-up spot, while 6/4 favourite Venitien De Mai was about two lengths off the winner when falling at the last.

Hassett's son and assistant Brian said, "He deserved that to be fair to him as he's been unlucky a few times and should have won a few more.

"The plan coming here was to let him off but Paul says to keep him going. We'll look at a handicap chase in two or three weeks time as he's hardly good enough for a novice."

Townend said, "He jumped deadly, and was nearly too good up the back. He's been consistent and was promising to win a beginners chase, and he's done it now.

"The ground is loose, it's yielding to soft. He's not a winter horse, so if we get a lot of rain that could be it for him."

(TW & AM)