Townend closes gap on Kennedy after fortuitous Horantzau D’airy win at Leopardstown

Back from suspension, Kennedy was out of luck, riding two seconds on the Leopardstown card

LATE DRAMA: Aspire Tower and Rachael Blackmore (near) and Thecompanysergeant and Donagh Meyler (far) part company at the last in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase at Leopardstown on Monday. Both were OK after. Picture: Healy Racing

Six-time champion Paul Townend closed to within six of Jack Kennedy in the title race thanks to a fortuitous success on Horantzau D’airy in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase in Leopardstown.

The Susannah Ricci-trained gelding looked destined for third spot as odds-on favourite and pace-setter Aspire Tower was tackled by Thecompanysergeant approaching the final fence.