Horse Racing

Dublin Racing Festival News: Frodon can keep Kemboy focused says Townend

Planet Sport writerStaff Writer4 February 2022
Kemboy gallops to Irish Gold Cup glory

Kemboy gallops to Irish Gold Cup glory

Two prominent runners go head to head at Leopardstown on Saturday, February 5. Paul Townend believes that Paul Nicholls' front-running Frodon can stop Kemboy from idling.

Jockey Paul Townend is not put off by the presence of Paul Nicholls' front-runner Frodon in the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup.

In fact, Townend believes a bit of pace rivalry for his Willie Mullins trained Kemboy could actually be beneficial.

Both horses like to be ridden prominently and Townend believes that the presence of Bryony Frost on the aggressive jumper Frodon can stop his mount from idling.

Winner of the race 12 months ago, Kemboy's record at Leopardstown is top-notch, but Townend has never actually won on him there.
"His course form is very good and he ran a cracker there at Christmas as well," said Townend.
"He's knocking on the door in this and while I haven't been on his back for any of his wins there, I hope I can make up for that this time around.
"He just seems to come alive there and loves it there. I think at this stage of his career, a horse like Frodon being in there will actually be a help rather than a hindrance.
"He was looking for a bit of company, I felt, at Christmas, so it will probably help him a bit more this time.
"I'd imagine we won't be giving anything away at the start, it depends how fast they want to go with the other horse. He is growing up in his old age and hopefully we can get him in a nice rhythm."
Frodon will be out for revenge after defeat to the Mullins trained Tornado Flyer in the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day.

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