'I wouldn’t be in a rush to swap Murcia for anything' - Paul Townend looks ahead to Galway Plate

Paul Townend is positive that he will be involved in the finish in today’s Galway Hurdle aboard tough mare Murcia. Here’s what he had to say to Betway on his chances.

Galway Hurdle (16:30)

You can see why El Cairos is at the head of the market for this because he looked to have the world at his feet around Christmas time, and there’s a chance he’s just better than his mark of 143.

I suppose the worry when you’re looking at him would be: does he have the toughness for this because these races are much rougher and tougher than those graded novice hurdles.

Considering she’s still only a five-year-old, Murcia has plenty of experience in big handicaps like this, so I’m delighted to be on her here.

She’s a Grade 1 winner with a lovely weight on her back, and I’ll be honest, I was disappointed to get beaten on her at Killarney the last day. I thought she had the race won, but she just got mugged late on, and I’m hoping she can make amends here.

Good ground and a stiff two miles is right up her alley, and although she’ll need a bit of luck in running, she’s coming here in great form. You could make a case for most of them to be honest, but I wouldn’t be in a rush to swap Murcia for anything, and hopefully we’ll be bang in contention jumping the last.