Paul Townend: 'Energumene has grown up a lot - he's the complete package now'

Paul Townend finds himself in the enviable position of potentially riding the hot favourite for the three biggest chases at the Cheltenham Festival and Ireland's five-time champion jockey thinks you can now add versatility to Energumene's growing repertoire as he bids for back-to-back Betway Queen Mother Champion Chases.

Energumene ended Mullins' hoodoo in the Champion Chase in 2022 when Townend dramatically changed tactics to be the hunter rather than the hare. He has since won at the Punchestown festival and added a second Hilly Way Chase at Cork and Townend feels he has now become the complete package.

The Tony Bloom-owned nine-year-old was the standout name among the 14 entries revealed on Tuesday for the Champion Chase on March 15 where a showdown with Arkle and Tingle Creek winner Edwardstone could be one of the highlights of the week. He is 4-6 with Ladbrokes to retain his title.