Paul Townend reflects on Cheltenham Festival success after winning Gold Cup with Galopin Des Champs for Willie Mullins
AS JOCKEYS, we can be a bit greedy and always want more.
But to finish the Cheltenham Festival as leading rider and win the Gold Cup must go down as a successful raid.
There was plenty of pressure going out on Galopin Des Champs for the Gold Cup.
I believed in him and knew that if he got into a good rhythm of jumping, it was going to put me in the race.
I had myself convinced he would stay, and I was able to ride him with plenty of confidence.
It very nearly all went wrong as I was too close for comfort to Ahoy Senor when he fell, bringing down Sounds Russian.
We didn't have it the year previous (when Galopin Des Champs came down at the last), but we did this time around.
I hadn't time to think about the last fence this time. We were lucky that we met the second-last and last on very good strides.
To be honest, he hasn't ever looked like falling before or since last year, so the fence was the last thing on my mind.
El Fabiola was very good in the Arkle. It was a strong race, and to make the couple of errors he did and still turn in on the bridle, to come alive like he did off such a strong pace, was a huge performance.
Impaire Et Passe was very impressive considering his lack of racing. He is so easy to ride. You can put him where you want, and he can pick up off that pace as well. He's a proper one.
It was evident from the first fence, and again over the second, that Energumene was a different horse this time in the Champion Chase.
He was down out of the air, in my hands taking me without over-racing and just felt like the proper Energumene.
I got out of Cheltenham as they were crossing the line for the Martin Pipe and flew home to Kilkenny Friday night. We had Thurles the next day.
We had a bit of a do Saturday night with a few friends, and then I rode at Navan and Clonmel after that.
We haven't really had the time to stop yet. The couple of weeks leading up and the week at Cheltenham are fairly draining and stressful, so I am now looking forward to a few days off while I am suspended next week.
I don't think I will be back until Easter Saturday.
There is a big month coming, with the Irish Grand National, Grand National and Punchestown Festival right on top of each other.
I am hoping we can stay in one piece to be at them all and then look forward to a summer holiday.
*To read Paul Townend's full interview go to sports.ladbrokes.com/news/
FERGUSON GIVES NEW HOPE
by Nicola McGeady
The Republic of Ireland kick off their Euro 2024 qualification campaign this Monday, and what a game we have in store.
Stephen Kenny's side welcome World Cup finalists France to town, with a star-studded ensemble in tow. And although they will be the underdogs, you can never write off an upset.
The Boys In Green recovered to save their blushes against Latvia on Wednesday night, with Evan Ferguson emerging as the team's new beacon of hope.
The Brighton youngster needed just 17 minutes to get on the scoresheet, and fans are hoping it will prove the first of many.
There are expectations that the 18-year-old will take on a leading role against Didier Deschamps' men, and I wouldn't be surprised to see patriotic punters backing him to find the net again.
However, we know how imperious France are. They are one of the best sides in the world, and they will be merciless upfront.
They ooze quality and will be the heavy favourites.
Can Ireland get anything out of this? The odds suggest it might be a stretch, but they are the fresher side, are at home and, let's not forget, held Belgium to a draw last year.
There is hope of getting something out of this. Saying we can win would be a step too far, but a draw isn't out of the question.
COYBIG.
GALWAY TO UPSET KERRY
by Marc Ó Sé, Kerry legend & Ladbrokes ambassador
Kerry got over the line against Roscommon last weekend, but they blew hot and cold on the night, and it was a far from convincing performance.
If Kerry beat Galway tomorrow, they will finish ahead of the Tribesmen. I cannot see that happening, though.
Call it revenge for the All-Ireland final or a desire to reach a Division 1 final, but I fancy Galway for the win at 5/4.
I am giving Monaghan every chance against Mayo tomorrow.
There is no way that Kevin Mcstay is going to put out his first team here given the fixtures that lie ahead.
It is difficult to predict how their second team will do, but they are facing a Monaghan side who are fighting for their lives.
Their form hasn't been convincing all season, but I am giving Monaghan the nod here at 13/2.
Elsewhere, I think Donegal can see off Roscommon.
With everything that has gone on, and the resignation of Paddy Carr, I see Donegal throwing the shoulder to the wheel here.
Tyrone have rediscovered their mojo, while Armagh aren't the same side we saw last year.
The stakes are high in this game, and I think it will go down to the wire. The draw at 15/2 is the bet of the weekend for me.
*To read Marc's full blog go to sports.ladbrokes.com/news/
