Closutton to the fore as Irish champions are crowned at Punchestown

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 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 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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