Townend hoping Bambino Fever can provide yet more Cheltenham joy
Bambino Fever and Paul Townend win the Tote Mares Maiden Hurdle with young Conor Morgan. Pic: Healy Racing
Last year’s Cheltenham was a special one for Jody Townend and she reckons Bambino Fever, the horse who made it so magical by providing her with a first Festival win, has a “massive chance” of a follow-up Prestbury Park success on Thursday.
Last year’s Champion Bumper heroine heads the market for the Grade Three Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle and Townend is confident she’ll run a big race in the opening race on day three.
“I saw a thing on Twitter earlier about how the form of the Champion Bumper had worked out and what the horses behind had done since,” Townend, speaking on behalf of Horse.bet, said. “You look at the likes of El Cairos and No Drama This End, they're high up in the market for some of the novice races and she slipped back into the mares’, she has to have a massive chance.”
Bambino Fever was turned over by Oldschool Outlaw on her hurdles debut earlier this season but Townend is confident the tables will be turned when the classy mares renew their rivalry this week.
“She was a very big girl when she came back in so she was bound to take the run and she was coming back against Oldschool Outlaw coming to the line when she got her second wind. I wouldn't play it out too much, I'd just take her second run, write off the first one.”
Whatever happens this week, Bambino Fever will always have a special place in Townend’s heart after last year’s exploits.
“It was magic. I remember Patrick (Mullins) telling me at the top of the hill to take it all in and I tried my best to do so. Walking back down the chute and into the parade ring was magic. Seeing everyone and all the emotions, I was on cloud nine. I watch it back whenever I have a bad day and it just puts a smile on my face. It was an unbelievable feeling.
“To be going out riding one of the favourites in the Champion Bumper was a dream come true. Then you just have to deliver and I was quite lucky, she was an easy ride, I could put her where I wanted to be.
“We were going by the stands the first time and you're playing these things out in your head and I was actually where I wanted to be, I couldn't believe it. It was very exciting leading up to it and I suppose you need an awful lot of luck in the Champion Bumper, it's such a messy race but it all played out as I imagined it. It was just meant to be, I think.”
This year’s Champion Bumper picture has a muddled look to it but Townend, who rides outsider Fairyhouse winner The Wager in Tuesday’s finale, thinks Team Closutton have a strong hand.
“I've never ridden any of them in a race so it's hard to pick one but you could make a case for nearly all of them. Love Sign d'Aunou wouldn't blow you away with his work at home but what he's done at the racetrack was very, very impressive and that's where it counts.
"The Irish Avatar had a big form boost when the horse that was second to him at Navan (Low Kick) won at Naas. Quiryn was very good too. I know he's only a four-year-old but he had a lot of training done coming from France, he works very well.”
