Townend and Blackmore shrug off Grand National disappointment with Tramore wins

Sunday: Tramore

Paul Townend and Rachael Blackmore endured fairly miserable Grand National experiences on Saturday, but both bounced back to light up proceedings on this card.

Townend, who was unseated from Burrows Saint at the Chair in the National, plundered the conditions chase as Fighter Allen made all for a straightforward victory.

The 10-11 favourite jumped with aplomb before striding to a six-length win, which was also Townend's second in three years in the race and a third in succession for Willie Mullins, who secured a brace on the card when Townend's sister Jody took the bumper on 2-1 market leader True Light.

No match for Galopin Des Champs in Grade 1 company at the Dublin Racing Festival, the Chris Jones-owned Fighter Allen's cause was aided here by a reluctant Mr Incredible, his closest market rival, effectively pulling himself up after the fifth fence.

"It's good for him to get his head in front and hopefully he's back on track now," said the champion jockey of what was his sole ride of the day.

"He handled the track very well and his jumping is his main asset. He seems to be finishing out his race a bit better and that could be down to his jumping as well."

Doubles for Blackmore and De Bromhead

Despite Mr Incredible's abject display, trainer Henry de Bromhead still had the runner-up in Popong under Blackmore, whose National run ended when last year's Aintree hero Minella Times was knocked over at Valentine's. Here, she guided the 4-5 favourite Hide And Seek to a smooth success for the stable in the opening mares' maiden hurdle.

De Bromhead then doubled up with the Mike O'Connor-ridden odds-on shot Life In The Park in the 2m4½f maiden hurdle, and Blackmore duly followed suit on the Philip Rothwell-trained Prince Zaltar in the 2m4½f handicap hurdle.

Results, replays and analysis

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