'He's not filling my shoes anymore. He's recreating them' - Walsh hails titan Townend

GOLDEN BOYS: Paul Townend and Willie Mullins celebrate with Gaelic Warrior after winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Photo: INPHO/Morgan Treacy

Ruby Walsh has hailed the "unbelievable" achievements of Paul Townend after the apprentice truly became the master with a record-breaking fifth Cheltenham Gold Cup success aboard Gaelic Warrior.

A part of Willie Mullins' operation since his teenage years, Townend cut his teeth serving as Walsh's understudy, watching on as one of the greats of his generation amassed 59 Cheltenham Festival victories among many other big-race triumphs.