Exeter preview: Paul Townend riding at track for first time

Reigning Irish champion Jump jockey Paul Townend is looking forward to riding at Exeter Racecourse for the first time this Friday (February 20th), which is Community Raceday, live on Racing TV.

The 35-year-old has been champion Jump jockey in Ireland for six of the last seven seasons and has also ridden 38 winners at the prestigious Cheltenham Festival, more than any other current rider. His Cheltenham winners include a joint-record four victories in the feature Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, while he also tasted victory in the world’s most famous Jump race – the Randox Grand National at Aintree – aboard I Am Maximus in 2024. 

His mount on Friday is Fun Fun Fun in the Listed Safer Gambling At Copybet Mares' Chase (3.14pm). The eight-year-old races in the familiar ‘double green’ silks of owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede and is from the powerful stable of Willie Mullins, to whom Townend is number one retained rider.

Speaking today, Paul Townend said: “It will be a new experience for me. I’ve seen plenty of racing from Exeter, but I’ve never been there, so it’s nice to go there and try something else. Hopefully, we are going there with a big chance. It’s always nice to go anywhere with a big chance and I am looking forward to it.”

Ahead of making his debut at Exeter, the jockey has taken counsel from two jockeys who have experience of the racecourse.

He continued: “I was chatting to Johnny Burke last night about the place and I gave Ruby (Walsh) a ring, as he has been around there more than anyone else I know. Ruby is the go-to man and had plenty of pointers for me. 

“I’ll get there nice and early and have a walk around the course. We were watching Exeter closely earlier in the year when Lulamba won there and I’ve seen videos of Kauto Star racing there, so it is a place I am familiar with and it looks a good place to ride.”

On the chances of Fun Fun Fun, the jockey concluded: “Fun Fun Fun has won there over hurdles and has got beaten there over fences. I had a nice win on her up at Perth last year.

“On ratings, it looks a good opportunity for her and definitely one I couldn’t pass up.”