Townend 13-8 For Top Punchestown Honours!

TOWNEND 13-8 FOR TOP PUNCHESTOWN HONOURS!

In the absence of injured Ruby Walsh, Paul Townend has been installed by William Hill as the 13-8 ante-post favourite to be top jockey at this week’s Punchestown Festival.

Willie Mullins’ second stable jockey boasts a plethora of fancied rides throughout the week, and rates above 9-4 second-favourite Barry Geraghty in the outright betting. Davy Russell, just 17 wins shy of Ruby Walsh’s seasonal tally, is available at 4-1.

Tony Kenny, spokesman for William Hill, said: ‘After winning eight top jockey titles from the last ten Punchestown Festivals, Ruby will be conspicuous by his absence at this year’s meeting. The racing is as competitive as always, but Paul Townend, with the weight of Willie Mullins behind him, thoroughly deserves to be favourite for top honours.’’

Punchestown Top Jockey (William Hill Bet): 13-8 Paul Townend, 9-4 Barry Geraghty, 4-1 Davy Russell, 9-2 AP McCoy, 8-1 Paul Carberry, 16-1 Andrew McNamara, 20-1 David Casey (in the event of a dead heat the winner will be determined on countback)