Q & A With Jody Townend

We caught up with our Naas RC sponsored jockey Jody Townend for a Q & A at the peak of the National Hunt season. 

1) Growing up, who was your sporting hero?

Nina Carberry without a doubt!

2) If you weren’t a jockey, what would you be?

Probably a show jumper, I try and do a bit of it during the summer months still. Definitely something to do with horses anyhow.

3) What is your favourite track to ride at?

Tramore, iv had a lot of luck around there.

4) How did you manage your recovery following breaking your back in 2018?

I just took one day at a time as I had so many setbacks, there was a stage where I was back riding out and return to race riding was in sight and then it flared up which was hard. It was like one step forward, two steps back but I guess it makes me appreciate success more now.

5) Who is your favourite horse to ride?

Port Rashid, he gave me my first winner on the track, over hurdles and over fences. He’s the family pet down home, a pleasure to ride and do anything with and even at 13 he’s still showing there’s life in him yet!

6) We’re less than a week out from Cheltenham, what is your tip of the week for this years Festival?

I think Reading Tommy Wrong in the Albert Bartlett, he’s the right relaxed temperament and racing style and I can see him loving coming up the hill.

7) If you could win any race what would it be and why?

I’d love to win any race in Cheltenham but if I’d to pick one it would be the gold cup it’s the best race in the racing calendar

8) How does preparation for the Cheltenham festival differ from other festivals?

I guess the whole national hunt calendar revolves around Cheltenham so the excitement building up to it is a lot more but the horses are still worked the same and kept in the same routine up until they travel as any other festival

9) If you could ride one horse, what would it be?

Iv always said I would’ve loved to have had a go on Chacun pour soi in his prime, he looked like he’d give you some thrill the speed he jumped at over 2miles

10) Outside of racing, what is your favourite sporting moment?

Winning the egg and spoon race on sports day!!

11) In your opinion, what is the most challenging course to ride?

Downpatrick, it’s very important to keep your horse balanced around there as it’s so  undulating. I find horses either handle it there or they don’t.