Townend aiming for another high in notable season Cork jockey Jody Townend, younger sister of champion jockey Paul, has had a season to remember and will be crowned champion Lady Amateur rider once again. She will receive her trophy at next week's Punchestown Festival when the curtain is brought down on the National Hunt season. Townend is eyeing a ride in the Grade 1 Race & Stay At Punchestown Champion I.N.H. Flat Race next Wednesday after finishing runner-up on Redemption Day last year. The jockey said: "Yeah, I rode out my claim in Thurles early on in February and it was brilliant. I rode a winner for dad the same day and it was my first double. "It has been a great year, I had my first ride at Cheltenham and Aintree as well. "There's a Grade 1 champion bumper there (Punchestown) during the week and, unlike in Cheltenham, the professionals can't ride in it. Last year I picked up a good ride on Redemption Day and I gave Facile Vega a bit of a fright. "Hopefully Paddy (Mullins) will pick the wrong one this year and I'll get my head in front!"
