THURSDAY
Walking out on Faugheen, the crowd roar encouragement at the equine equivalent of a phoenix. A slow leap at the crucial third last is a pivotal moment in the race however, as Davy Russell traps them in a pocket as a result. They nish a close third but the ground and position lost at that moment leave Townend feeling this was a race that could have been won. Frustration returns. His main chance for the day though is Min. The race goes to plan and over the second last they strike the front, the race seemingly at their mercy. But as they barrel toward the last, Saint Calvados bulls through on the inside, like Jack Nicholson’s head through the door in The Shining . Min wings the last, while Saint Calvados misses slightly, and this door is closed with a thud. Sheehan changes to the outside and runs on strongly, but goes down by a rapidly diminishing neck. Having to come around made all the dierence. Townend drinks in the cocktail of relief and joy. To win the feature race on the day, and perhaps more importantly ride a rst winner for owner Rich Ricci at The Festival™, gives him major satisfaction. One day to go. And Al Boum Photo still to come.
The stride is long but with Lostintranslation upsides, it is time to hit or bust
10 THE F E S T I VAL TM SUPPORT I NG WE L LCH I LD PREV I EW MAGAZ I NE
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