David and Willie Mullins with the Gold Cup after winning on Bellshill. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

HAVING BEEN CAUGHT up in a moment of chaos yesterday, Paul Townend bounced back with three victories at the Punchestown Festival this afternoon.

The former champion jockey is facing a 21-day ban for dangerous riding after taking the wrong course and colliding with the fence aboard Al Boum Photo at the end of the Champion Novice Chase on Tuesday.

Cork-born Townend apologised afterwards — stating that he thought he had heard a shout to bypass the last fence.

Paul Townend after his victory with Patricks Park. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

And there were no signs that the incident would affect his riding today, as he claimed the Hurdle with Pravalaguna (11/4), before following it up with the Novice Hurdle on board 5/4 favourite Next Destination.

Townend then won the Handicap Chase with Patricks Park (11/2), ahead of second-placed Blast of Koeman (6/1) and Oscar Knight (7/1) in third.

That treble was part of an incredible day for trainer Willie Mullins, who landed a total of six winners from seven — including the Gold Cup with eight-year-old Bellshill and jockey David Mullins.
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The remarkable six-timer means Mullins has gone in front of Gordon Elliott in the Irish trainers’ championship by prize money of €48,161.

Elliott has led for most of the season, but Mullins is now closing in on a 12th title with three days of the festival to go.

Punchestown – Wednesday’s results

• 15.40: 1. Prince Garyantle (25/1), 2. Man Of Plenty (14/1), 3. Killaro Boy (6/1fav), 4. Nobody Home (10/1)
• 16.20:  1. Pravalaguna (11/4), 2. Not Many Left (7/1), 3. Good Thyne Tara (6/1)
• 16.55: 1. Next Destination (5/4fav), 2. Delta Work (7/1), 3. Kilbricken Storm (5/1)
• 17.30: 1. Bellshill (4/1), 2. Djakadam (5/1), 3. Road To Respect (7/2fav)
• 18.05: 1. Tornado Flyer (12/1), 2. Blackbow (9/4fav), Carefully Selected (4/1)
• 18.40: 1. Patricks Park (11/2), 2. Blast Of Koeman (6/1), 3. Oscar Knight (7/1), 4. Polidam (12/1)
• 19.15: 1. Colreevy (7/4fav), 2. Black Tears (9/1), 3. Tintangle (11/4)

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