Fairytale return for Paul Townend as Blue Lord spearheads treble

Saturday: Fairyhouse

Paul Townend has been out of action since September with a damaged shoulder, but after this you'd swear he was never away.

The four-time champion jockey had three rides on his belated return to action and all three won. Indeed, all three look to be on the road to bigger and better things.

Blue Lord, who would have finished second in the Supreme last season but for crashing out at the last when in pursuit of Appreciate It, looked like an old pro in the opening beginners' chase and made all for a facile win. He is now 14-1 (from 25) with Paddy Power for the Arkle.

Paul Townend gives Stattler a pat after their victory in the 2m5f beginners' chase at FairyhouseCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Stattler was just as impressive in the 2m5f beginners' chase, scooting clear after the last for a six-length victory. He is now joint-favourite for the National Hunt Chase with Paddy Power at 9-2.

Townend said: "It was a lovely day to come back. There was no real pressure, but they were still three nice rides.

"Blue Lord was very straightforward and loves a fence. He's matured a lot both physically and mentally. He did very well during the summer, and he’s looking for the next fence so he can take it on."

On Stattler, he added: "He's similar to Blue Lord in that he loves jumping fences. He’s also matured and they have both made the transition really well.

"He showed a turn of foot from the back of the second-last up to the line that surprised me a bit. He picked up Fighter Allen nicely. It’s a perfect start for him and you would imagine he will make into a staying chaser. It was an ideal trip to start him over".

Hi Ho Phoenix brings up a comeback treble for Paul Townend in the 2m7½f maiden hurdle at FairyhouseCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

The treble was completed by Hi Ho Phoenix, who drew effortlessly clear in the 2m7½f maiden hurdle, with Townend saying: "On form coming into the race he was the weakest link of the three, but jumping has improved him so much. He really enjoyed it and he will jump a fence in time."

Britzka blitz

Gordon Elliott already has one eye on the Fred Winter for Britzka, but it is not beyond the bounds of possibility that he could be a Triumph Hurdle candidate, and Paddy Power introduced him at 33-1 for that contest after his victory in the 2m maiden hurdle for three-year-olds.

The ex-Eddie and Patrick Harty-trained son of Zoffany was available at 6-1 during the morning but was the subject of sustained support and was eventually sent off at 9-4. The gamble was right on the money as he stretched clear for a six-length victory under Davy Russell.

Elliott said: "We bought him out of Eddie Harty's after he ran well on the Flat at Leopardstown. He finished well and I'd say he'll get further. He's a grand, honest horse and will give Ray [Stokes, owner] a bit of fun. He could be one for the Fred Winter".

Elliott completed a double when Liberty Dance landed the closing bumper in emphatic fashion under Jamie Codd.

The newcomer, who was sent off 3-1 favourite, is a half-sister to six winners and was introduced at 33-1 for the Weatherbys Champion Bumper.

Course specialist

Nicole's Milan registered a fourth course win around Fairyhouse in the 2m7½f handicap hurdle, storming home under Phillip Enright for Conna-based trainer Sean Aherne.

Enright said: "This is his fourth win around here and it is definitely a case of horses for courses. Punchestown was probably a bit tight for him last time. He's a great, little horse."

Results, replays and analysis

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Upping The Ante star Gavin Lynch joins the Racing Post roster for a weekly Saturday column throughout the jumps season. He'll offer a guide to the weekend action, highlight the horses and races to watch and share his punting wisdom. Read it every Saturday in the Racing Post or online from 4pm every Friday, exclusively for Members' Club subscribers. Sign up to Members' Club here for more top jumps season insight.