Jockey Paul Townend has been given a five-day racing ban for veering left on his winning Champion Chase ride on Energumene on Day Two of the Cheltenham Festival.
Townend, 32, is trainer Willie Mullins’ star stable jockey, and victory on Energumene in the Champion Chase was his second win on Wednesday after he stormed to glory on Impaire Et Passe. Energumene defended his title after also winning the race in the 2022 Festival.
However, his success with Energumene was marred by controversy after he was judged by the stewards to have allowed his horse “to drift left handed when insufficiently clear causing interference.”
The five-day ban does not begin immediately, meaning Townend’s remaining rides at the Cheltenham Festival will not be impacted. The Irishman is set to ride Appreciate It, Blue Lord, Klassical Dream and Lot of Joy on the third day of racing at the 2023 Festival.
His first taste of action after receiving the ban will come in the 1:30 Turners Novices’ Chase, a race in which Mighty Potter is the heavy favourite.
The five-day ban will come into effect once the 2023 Cheltenham Festival has concluded.
