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Closutton to the fore as Irish champions are crowned at Punchestown

Champions of 2020-21 (left to right): Paul Townend, Simon Torrens, Willie Mullins, Jody Townend and Patrick Mullins
Champions of 2020-21 (left to right): Paul Townend, Simon Torrens, Willie Mullins, Jody Townend and Patrick MullinsCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

It may have been without the usual fanfare attached to the season's finale, but Irish jump racing's champions were crowned at a crowdless Punchestown on Saturday, with a familiar feel to much of the 2020-21 roll of honour.

Willie Mullins collected his 15th trainers' championship, while stable jockey Paul Townend notched a fourth jockeys' title with 100 winners – five of which were achieved this week while riding with a fractured foot.

It was a memorable campaign for the Townend family, with Paul's sister Jody becoming champion female amateur for the first time.

Jody and Paul Townend: enjoyed fantastic 2020-21 campaign
Jody and Paul Townend: enjoyed fantastic 2020-21 campaignCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"To do it in the same year as Paul won the jockeys' championship is a lovely thing," said the 23-year-old, who was visibly emotional upon collecting the winning trophy.

"I had a brilliant year, from Princess Zoe in the Ladies Derby to Grangee at the Dublin Racing Festival and even this week we had Adamantly Chosen in the Goffs Land Rover Bumper – it's been unbelievable."

Patrick Mullins saw off the challenge of Jamie Codd after a season-long tussle for the amateur riders' championship – the 31-year-old's 13th title.

"I thought at the start of the season that we might have been a bit lower on bumper horses than usual and, as it turned out, I needed all the wins in the professional races to see off Jamie.

Simon Torrens: crowned champion conditional for the 2020-21 season
Simon Torrens: crowned champion conditional for the 2020-21 seasonCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"It's very hard for him coming to Punchestown. When I'm riding for Willie at this meeting it's like being at the Battle of Hastings with a machine gun – it's a bit of an unfair advantage."

He added: "Jamie is a fabulous rider. When I was growing up, he was riding Willie's horses and he was the one I was looking up to. To be battling it out with him is a privilege."

Impressive 24-year-old Simon Torrens was crowned champion conditional for the first time after partnering 34 winners, describing his campaign as "incredible, one I won't forget".

He also paid tribute to those who have supported his efforts, including JP McManus, who reclaimed the champion owners' title from Gigginstown House Stud for the first time since 2013-14 – his 18th championship in total.


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