Paul Townend Sets Sights on Historic Gold Cup Record as Cheltenham Festival Approaches
With the Cheltenham Festival on the horizon, champion jockey Paul Townend is brimming with anticipation, despite his extensive history of success at the prestigious event. The seven-time Irish Champion Jockey, who has ridden 38 Festival winners, including four last year, emphasizes that the thrill never diminishes.
"It's always exciting; if it wasn't exciting, you wouldn't be doing it," Townend remarked, highlighting his enduring passion for the sport. He avoids setting numerical targets for winners, preferring to focus on early success to ease pressure. "One on the board early is actually so important. If you've a good book of rides the first day and one of them can click, it does take the monkey off your back," he explained.
Chasing Gold Cup History
While Townend downplays the possibility of catching Ruby Walsh's record of 59 Cheltenham Festival winners, he has a clear goal in mind: surpassing Pat Taaffe's record of four Gold Cup victories. Currently tied with Taaffe, Townend's last two Gold Cup wins came aboard the star stayer Galopin Des Champs, trained by Willie Mullins.
"That is one I have looked at all right, and I wouldn't mind putting my name on top of that list," Townend admitted. "It's something I'd love to do, but four is no mean feat either." He reflected on the addictive nature of winning at Cheltenham, noting that each victory feels more rewarding than the last, from his first Festival win on What A Charm to his Gold Cup triumphs.
Unwavering Faith in Galopin Des Champs
Despite Galopin Des Champs suffering two defeats at Leopardstown this season, Townend remains confident in the horse's ability to secure a third Gold Cup. He described the Irish Gold Cup race as competitive, with Fact To File performing exceptionally, but found positives in Galopin Des Champs' improved performance compared to Christmas.
"He gave me a better feel than he probably had done at Christmas. He was more alive and the rustiness from Christmas was gone," Townend said. While acknowledging some disappointment in the final half-mile, he emphasized the horse's overall strong feel during the race.
When asked about the possibility of switching to Gaelic Warrior for the Gold Cup, Townend was resolute. "Nothing is impossible, but it would be very hard. I don't think Galopin is finished yet," he asserted. "If I got off him and he went by me up the hill, I'd be keeping a wide berth from myself on the plane home that's for sure!"
He expressed hope for building on Galopin Des Champs' recent performance, stating, "I thought there was a lot to like during the race at Leopardstown last time and hopefully we can build on that." A third Gold Cup win with Galopin Des Champs would likely rank among the greatest achievements in Townend's storied partnership with trainer Willie Mullins.
