Paul Townend raring to go with high-class rides after spell on the sidelines

Having missed out on a major afternoon for the Willie Mullins camp last Sunday, reigning Irish champion jockey Paul Townend returns from injury to some high-class rides at Fairyhouse on Saturday.

A shoulder injury suffered in a fall at the Listowel harvest festival on September 22 has kept the leading rider on the sidelines during the early-winter months.

Speaking in his Ladbrokes blog on Friday, Townend said: "I'm excited to be coming back – I have been waiting long enough. I went schooling this morning and everything feels good, and it doesn't hurt anymore. I have to get the Christmas expenses somehow!"

Blue Lord: makes his debut over fences at Fairyhouse on SaturdayCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

He added: "I suppose I haven't actually missed a whole lot compared to what I could have. I just hope I don't have to miss any more now. With the weather the way it was, the horses weren't quite ready."

Blue Lord, among Closutton's most talented novice hurdlers last season, will be Townend's first ride back in the 2m beginners' chase (11.30). He is a top-priced 40-1 shot for the Sporting Life Arkle.

Fairyhouse Saturday card

He will also partner leading National Hunt Chase contender Stattler for the twice Grade 1-placed performer's debut over fences in the 2m5f beginners' chase (12.00), which also features promising youngster Gars De Sceaux.

His third and final ride of the afternoon comes in the 2m7f maiden hurdle (2.12) aboard Hi Ho Phoenix, placed on all three of his bumper outings this year.

Stattler: showed plenty of ability over hurdles last seasonCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

Townend said: "Blue Lord is one I am really looking forward to. All of last year, I thought he was going to make a better chaser. I schooled him and his jumping has been really good.

"He has matured a lot from last year. He struggled against Appreciate It but he was as good as the rest of them as a novice hurdler.

"Stattler will probably end up going three miles. Again, we thought he would be a chaser last year. He ran to a high enough level over hurdles.

Of Hi Ho Phoenix, he added: "It doesn't look like the strongest of maiden hurdles for this time of year so hopefully he can put his best foot forward."

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