Runners at the start for the handicap hurdle; winner Miss Xian is centre, with white sleeves© Photo Healy Racing
Paul Townend completed a treble at Fairyhouse today when steering Miss Xian to win the New Years Day 2014 At Fairyhouse Handicap Hurdle for trainer Francis Flood.
Former Champion Jockey Townend was earlier successful on Abbyssial and Upazo for Champion Trainer Willie Mullins and following Miss Xian's win, the trainer's son Fran Flood Junior stated “that's her second win here and it was lovely to see the drop of rain as it was no harm for her.
“She did it well and has got a big stronger since last year. We'll look for something similar and while she'll get a few pounds for this, hopefully it won't be too much! I'd love to get some black-type with her in a Graded handicap hurdle but it's hard to find those type of races.”
By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson
