The Daragh Ó Conchúir Interview: Family affair the Townends at Mullins Central

It’s been another stunning year for the Townends, with Paul reaching Gold Cup nirvana and Jody battling back bravely to the winner’s enclosure after overcoming a broken back. Though little sister won’t easily let big brother forget he missed her big moment in Galway

They are at either end of their 20s, one approaching his peak with the best job in jump racing, 50 Grade One wins, 10 Cheltenham successes and more than 11 years removed from the Galway Hurdle success that catapulted him into the limelight; the other getting going again after a broken back and further complications threatened to scupper her dreams before announcing her well-being in stunning style with another Galway feature frolic, in the Connacht Hotel Handicap last August.