Even Tho wins Grade 3 bumper under Jody Townend Jody Townend enjoyed further big race success at the Punchestown Festival when partnering the Willie Mullins trained Even Tho to an emphatic success in the concluding Grade 3 Weatherbys General Stud Book Irish EBF Mares INH Flat Race. Sent off 7/2 in the colours of owners PIL Gallop, the Limerick winner made it two-from-two under Rules with an impressive performance. Closing on the heels of the leaders over 3f out, the mare moved second entering the straight. Soon heading leader Celestial Tune, Even Tho powered right away inside the final furlong-and-a-half to post an impressive 16 lengths success. “That was a huge performance,” said Mullins. “Rachael Blackmore tipped us off to have a look at her after she fell in her point-to-point and bought her for this client. “It’s one of the many talents she has now that she’s given up riding, spotting horses! If she can buy more like her she’ll make a living out of that. “It was a good buy by her and we’ll have to give Rachael the plaudits for sourcing this one. “It was an extraordinary performance. I was hoping my own filly was creeping up the inside with Derek but when Jody set her alight it was all over in a few strides. “We know she jumps, she’s been around a point-to-point course, so we’re looking forward to going novice hurdling, probably next season.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
