PAUL Townend has shared a sneak peek backstage as he and Rachael Blackmore had ‘a fantastic time’ on The Late Late Show.
The star jockeys were on to reflect on this year’s Cheltenham Festival as well as preview next month’s Aintree Grand National.
They’re among the most successful riders in the UK in addition to Ireland[/caption]
Veteran crooner Daniel O’Donnell was also on the guestlist[/caption]
Paul swapped the saddle for the make-up chair[/caption]
Recapping the evening as a whole, including the time before they went on-air, Cheltenham 2025 Leading Jockey Townend expressed his thanks to the entire show’s staff – including host Patrick Kielty.
He praised: “Had a fantastic time on the Late Late Show last night alongside Rachel Blackmore!
“We spoke all things Cheltenham and had a look ahead to Aintree’s Grand National.
“Huge thanks to RTÉ for having us and to our host, Paddy, for a brilliant evening!”
At one light moment of their joint-interview with the Down native, Blackmore had the perfect response to Paul admitting it ‘hurt’ to lose to his sister at Prestbury Park.
Jody Townend rode her first winner at the Festival earlier this month on Bambino Fever in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper.
The victory was made that little bit sweeter by her famous brother finishing 12th on Gameofinches.
This fact was put to him, with the Corkman admitting: “We were behind her looking on.
“We had time to go back in and take off the colours by the time she made it down the shoot. It was brilliant.
“Rachael and myself have experienced it plenty of times and it actually gets better every time you get to win there.
“We all will remember our first winner at Cheltenham.
“Jody is an amateur so her chances to ride a winner there are lesser than professionals so it was a huge day for the family as well.”
When the four-time Champion Jockey remarked that ‘it still hurt to get beat’, the Tipperary trailblazer was quick to respond: “He’ll be okay.”
Townend added: “I won’t hear the end of it for a while.”
Rosie O’Donnell appeared on the show to explain the motivation behind her recent move to Ireland[/caption]
Jody joined the likes of Katie Walsh and Blackmore as female jockeys to have won the Weatherbys Champion Bumper.
And speaking to RacingTV in the immediate aftermath, she had exclaimed: “I’m beyond cloud nine, I can’t believe it and it will take some time to sink in.
“I was in front soon enough on her and I was looking up at the big screen thinking ‘please don’t come up the inner’ so it was a big relief when I got to the line.
“I got a perfect position and I couldn’t believe it when I jumped off and got where I wanted to be, it normally doesn’t happen in that race.
“She always keeps trying and has a heart of gold and this is a special place for me now anyway.
“I’ve been dreaming of this since I was a child and have grown up watching Paul ride winners round here, but it’s my turn to be happy now.”
