Paul Townend relishing ride on “impressive” Il Etait Temps in the Clarence House

By Kieran McHugh

Paul Townend is looking forward to rekindling his partnership with Willie Mullins’ new star two-miler, Il Etait Temps.

The pair are reunited in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot, on Saturday, in which they are set to face 10-time Grade One winner – Jonbon.

Last time the two met, Il Etait Temps beat Jonbon by nine lengths in the Tingle Creek at Sandown, something which Betway ambassador Townend was pleasantly surprised by, saying: “The manner in which he won was still a bit of a surprise.

“He beat the best of what’s around that day, and if he can reproduce that, I’ll have a good spin around Ascot.“

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Strong Sunday to follow?

Townend’s weekend does not stop there, as he has a nice book of rides at Thurles, on Sunday.

These are headed by Jade De Grugy, who Townend is very bullish about her chances, stating that she is the “strongest” of his rides and that he would be “very disappointed” should she fail to win.

The seven-time Irish Champion Jockey also rides Espresso Milan in the Novice Hurdle, which himself and Mullins won six years ago with Monkfish.

He finishes off the day with the ride on stable stalwart Appreciate It, in the Grade Two feature race, with the 12-year-old looking to go back-to-back in the event.

Something which Townend gives him a good chance of doing, saying: “Maybe my heart has ruled my head a little bit, but it’s a strong ride and a lot of conditions are in his favour.”

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

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