Paul Townend bidding for fourth-straight Limestone Lad success with Willie Mullins-trained Karbau

By Kieran McHugh

Paul Townend is bidding for his fourth-straight victory in the Limestone Lad Hurdle at Naas, having won it a record seven times already, aboard the Willie Mullins-trained Karbau.

Betway ambassador Townend won the race last year with Champion Hurdle contender Andazam.

For exclusive stories and all the detailed Racing news you need, subscribe to the Racing Ahead website, digital edition, or magazine from as little as 8p a day.

Karbau to start the season on a high?

Karbau makes his seasonal reappearance in the race and lines up against a former Grade One winner in Farren Glory, but Townend does not discount his mount.

“He was a good, tough, consistent performer last year. His best run was probably at Aintree when third in the Top Novices Grade 1,” said Townend.

The champion jockey thinks the race could be an interesting one to keep note of.

He explained: “With the lack of a recent run for most contenders, it looks a race to watch for clues. 

“A lot of these will have fancier targets later on in the season, I would think.”

Can Argento Boy emulate Dancing City?

Townend and Mullins have won the last two renewals of this Novice Chase, with Dancing City last year.

They team up with Argento Boy in the race this year and Townend is looking forward to trying to make it a hat-trick of success.

The seven-year-old fell on his reappearance but won well at Punchestown when last seen, something which Townend was impressed by.

“I really like the fact that mine was there at Punchestown to win that day and I’m looking forward to riding him,” he said in his blog with Betway.

Four out of four?

Townend also rides Mon Crueset, in a race in which Closutton fields three runners.

He believes there is a lot to like about Mon Crueset, saying: “He’s shown us nice things at home.”

Townend also takes the ride on Did I Ask You That in the maiden hurdle and he believes that despite some challenges, his mount has the form to contend in the race.

“If you go back far enough there’s a nice run behind The Big Westerner at Punchestown. He shows us plenty at home, too,” said Townend.

You can read more about Paul Townend’s thoughts on his four rides in his Betway insider column.

READ MORE: Paul Townend seeking Thyestes treble with Willie Mullins-trained Captain Cody