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It was an easy victory for the Willie Mullins-trained Redemption Day in Grade 1 Race & Stay at Punchestown Champion INH Flat Race at the Punchestown Festival on Wednesday.
Second in this race two years ago, the seven-year-old gelding had only been seen on the track three times since, including a victory at Fairyhouse in early April. Settled at the back of the field by jockey Jody Townend, the result never appeared in doubt as Redemption Day cruised to the front round the final bend and kicked clear. He faced no opposition all the way to the line, with The Yellow Clay and William Munny filling the second and third position. Favourite Jasmin De Vaux began to struggle at the end of the back straight and never featured.
The win represented a first Grade 1 for Jody Townend, who said: "Once he settles, he has some engine. He has the turn of foot of a Flat horse. With the turn of foot he has, once he settled, I actually didn't mind what they did.
"He went so asleep again on me again, you'd wonder what he is going to do and how much he is going to find. He did the same in Fairyhouse, he just picks up and I was still there too soon again today. Thankfully, it paid off.
"I just love the horse, I was second on him two years ago to Facile Vega here.
"I'm delighted for the owner, Tim O'Driscoll, as he gave him plenty of time when got the injury and stuff, and it has paid off."
Trainer Willie Mullins added: "She's always does her own thing in her races and it works! We often discuss what's going to happen but when the tape goes up, Jody just does what Jody wants to do.
"She's had some success, so we just have to take our hats off to her.
"This horse missed a year and I thought he could be Champion Bumper material. I thought that I'd rather do that than go hurdling. He can go hurdling next season.
"He followed home Facile Vega here two years ago and that sort of form stands up every day of the week. It paid off.
"He could run on the Flat over a mile and a half or a mile and six."
Paddy Power cut Redemption Day from 40/1 to 10/1 for next year's Supreme Novices' Hurdle.
