Townend rides first winner as Mullins' new stable jockey Paul Townend bagged his first winner as Willie Mullins' freshly minted stable jockey at Punchestown today as the Champion Jockey-elect steered My Sister Sarah to justify 4/1 favouritsim and win the Grade B Conway Piling Handicap Hurdle. The daughter of Martaline finished an unlucky in-running sixth at Fairyhouse's recent Easter festival and today avoided trouble racing on the outer before staying on strongly in the home straight and scoring a two lengths win over Young Ted. Townend's transition in becoming Mullins' stable jockey has been a work in progress this term and following My Sister Sarah's success, the Champion Trainer stated “Paul is champion jockey this year but in the past when Ruby was injured he’s filled in very, very well. It’s (Ruby’s retirement) come at a nice time for Paul too. “Paul is very cool like Ruby. He has a different style of riding but gets very good results.” Mullins added “this filly got into a good bit of trouble in Fairyhouse; she’s not the biggest in the world and got intimidated by others around her. “Today Paul dragged her to the outside and once he got out there he got her balanced and racing and she jumped well enough.” Quotes from Alan Magee
