Mullins never doubted Townend was man to take reins from Ruby
SEAMLESS TRANSITION: Ruby Walsh, left, presents Paul Townend with the leading jockey trophy at last week's Cheltenham Festival. Picture: David Davies/PAÂ
In sport, replacing a legend can be a tricky business, a reality perhaps best illustrated by Manchester United’s travails since the retirement of Alex Ferguson 11 years ago.
Within weeks of Ferguson’s exit, Paul Nicholls found himself facing the same challenge when Ruby Walsh announced he would no longer be riding for the Ditcheat maestro. Like United, Nicholls struggled to find a suitable replacement, failing to do so until Harry Cobden was handed the gig five years later.
