Paul Townend hoping Grangeclare West can provide Grand National clues in the Bobbyjo Chase

By Kieran McHugh

Paul Townend has sided with Grangeclare West in Saturday’s Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse, a race won by I Am Maximus and Nick Rockett en route to Grand National glory.

Betway ambassador Townend might not have won the race aboard I Am Maximus, but has won the race four times before and is aiming to become the winning-most jockey in the race on Saturday.

Townend believes the race could offer vital clues for the Grand National on April 11.

And he thinks he has sided with the right one of four Willie Mullins-trained runners in the race, saying: “While Grangeclare West is the most exposed of them, he’s been running to a very high level to earn the rating he has, so I think he was the obvious one for me to ride.

“I am forgiving him his last run at the Dublin Racing Festival, because it wasn’t good, but I suspect the run at Christmas left its mark on him.

“So, although I think he’ll be happier on a nice bit of spring ground, I’m hoping we’ll see a better showing from him this weekend.”

The champion jockey finished: “I’m sure this is a race that will throw up plenty of clues for the Grand National at Aintree in April.”

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Fun foray over to Exeter?

Before that, Townend travels over to Exeter on Friday to take the ride on Fun Fun Fun.

Townend will be hoping that the meeting can beat the elements and get the go ahead, especially seeing as he is quite keen on his mount’s chances.

“It’s probably a good find for her, this race, as she’s been to Exeter before and won, but she has also been beaten here over fences, so hopefully she’ll be back in the winners’ enclosure on Friday afternoon,” said Townend.

He continued: “This will be the most testing ground she’s encountered over this sort of trip, so that’s a bit of an unknown, but I think she’ll be fine. 

“It’s a nice fair track, so if she’s anywhere near her best, then I’d be confident she can get her head back in front.”

Farewell to a Closutton legend

It was announced earlier this week that the Willie Mullins-trained Appreciate It had been retired at the age of 12.

Townend paid tribute to the former Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner, saying: “We sadly had to retire our old friend Appreciate It this week. 

“He’s been a good stalwart around the place for a number of years now, so I’d say he’ll be missed by plenty of members of the team at Closutton.

“He absolutely bolted up in the Supreme in 2021, and I doubt I’ll ever ride an easier winner of a Grade 1 at the Festival than that.”

Townend finished: “I hope he enjoys his retirement as he’s been a great servant and he’s definitely earned it.”

You can read more about Paul Townend’s thoughts on his rides this weekend and his tribute to Appreciate It in his Betway insider column.

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