Paul Townend made an incredible recovery onboard favourite Allegorie De Vassy after he almost fell following a jump.
The incident happened during the Mare's Novice Chase at Thurles on Sunday. Approaching the first fence in the lead, Allegorie De Vassy jumped awkwardly throwing Townend violently forward. Impressively he managed to cling on for a few strides before regaining his composure and continuing in the lead.
Thankfully for Townend this was the only drama of the race as he brought the Mare home for a comfortable victory. Trainer Willie 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!
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"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."
The Willie Mullins-trained six-year-old has been victorious in three previous starts for the Clossuton handler, most recently taking the Grade Two Dawn Run Mares Novice Chase at Limerick by 19 lengths.
Paddy Power make Allegorie De Vassy the 13-8 favourite for the Mares’ Chase they sponsor at Cheltenham, with Coral going 6-4 for the Festival contest.
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