23 January 2023 , 14:18
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Paul Townend became a punters' pal when he made an incredible recovery riding a horse tipped for the 2023 Cheltenham Festival.
The jockey clung on to Allegorie De Vassy, the 1-8 favourite for a race at Thurles, after she jumped awkwardly at the very first fence. Momentum threw Townend up high in the saddle and his arms were around the front runner's neck when he landed.
But the sportsman refused to let gravity take over following the blip in Sunday's Grade 2 Coolmore N.H. Sires Mogul Irish EBF Mares Novice Chase. With just one of his feet in a stirrup, Townend used amazing strength to push himself back into position.
His Willie Mullins-trained mount went on to record a comfortable 19-length victory from her five rivals.
Going off at such a short price, Allegorie De Vassy would have been the type of selection for dozens of accumulators during the afternoon – and they were saved by Townend's horsemanship.
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Mullins joked afterwards: "I said to Paul to let her go and jump whatever way she wants and she was just too exuberant at the first. I don't know if he'll listen to me again! She was exuberant at Limerick too on that heavy ground, which I thought might have taken a lot out of her. I was very impressed at Limerick the way she jumped out of that heavy ground.
"Most horses would not be able to keep that up over 2m4f but she did against good opposition, and she did much the same today. I doubt she will run again before Cheltenham and I think she will be going for the Mares' Chase."
Allegorie De Vassy tops most ante-post markets for the Cheltenham Festival contest Mullins has taken both renewals of, since it was launched at the 2021 fixture.
The trainer has topped the table for the most winners at the past four meetings, notching a record ten in March 2022. He has a number of short-priced runners for the four-day racing extravaganza, including last year's scorers Energumene and Facile Vega.
Galopin Des Champs, who fell with the Turners Novices' Chase at his mercy, is the favourite for the Gold Cup, a race his stable has scooped twice with Al Boum Photo.
Allegorie De Vassy is another Cheltenham Festival favourite for trainer Willie Mullins (PA)Punters were divided over Allegorie De Vassy's Cheltenham credentials, as she is readied to take on the JP McManus-owned mare Impervious.
One person tweeted: "It’s always amazes me how little horses quirks change. Allegorie de Vassy got faster with each run in France. However, she was a bit right at hurdles, a bit erratic, a bit clumsy with tendency to land back first each time. A year on (and three more runs) she’s still doing it."
Another wrote: "Allegorie De vassy did nothing wrong at the first fence. Townend was falling out the side door before the horse had even began to jump the fence. Good recovery, but the error was with the jockey. Caught napping at the first fence. Horse flew round after that."
While a third added: "Fine mare but she's gonna have to be foot perfect at Cheltenham to beat impervious who is battle hardened and I think the one to be on."