Townend brings up first double on West End Victory

Jody Townend brought up a Thurles double on newcomer West End Victory in the mares' bumper and rode out her 3lb claim in the process.

The 11/10 favourite was on the heels of the leaders approaching the final half mile and raced to the front in the final three furlongs.

The Westerner mare was kept up to her work as Silver Lark closed in a threatening second in the final 150 yards.

Willie Mullins' West End Victory kept at it, though, and fended that 4/1 challenger off by half a length. Final Decision ran a creditable race in third at a well-backed 11/2, beaten a length by the winner.

Townend said: "She was keen and I couldn't get cover on her, but there wasn't much I could do about it as I wanted to be close up. To be fair she dropped the bridle going out on the final circuit and she was keen without being a runaway.

"She probably isn't the quickest in the world, but is as tough as nails and will stay all day. She's not the biggest, but there have been smaller ones in Willie's and she'll jump hurdles. She is tough out and will win her races.

"It's my first double and to ride a winner on the first horse I won on, Port Rashid is brilliant and it is a mighty day. Port Rashid is an old stager now but means a lot to me and showed today there is life left in him."

Townend came in for the ride on West End Victory as Patrick Mullins was unwell.

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes