Cork jockey Paul Townend takes fourth champion title seeing off Rachael Blackmore

He goes into the season finale with an unassailable lead of 100 victories against 92.

Paul Townend with David Porter after winning the Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle (Grade 1). Picture: Healy Racing

Paul Townend has finally seen off Rachael Blackmore’s challenge to become Ireland’s champion jump jockey for a fourth time.

Cork jockey Townend clinched the title when Gaillard Du Mesnil, his only ride at Punchestown on Friday, gave him his 100th winner of the campaign in the Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle.