Reigning Irish champion Jump jockey Paul Townend is looking forward to riding at Exeter Racecourse for the first time this Friday (February 20th), which is Community Raceday.

The 35-year-old has been champion Jump jockey in Ireland for six of the last seven seasons and has also ridden 38 winners at the prestigious Cheltenham Festival, more than any other current rider. His Cheltenham winners include a joint-record four victories in the feature Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, while he also tasted victory in the world’s most famous Jump race – the Randox Grand National at Aintree – aboard I Am Maximus in 2024.

His mount on Friday is Fun Fun Fun in the Listed Safer Gambling At Copybet Mares' Chase (3.14pm). The eight-year-old races in the familiar ‘double green’ silks of owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede and is from the powerful stable of Willie Mullins, to whom Townend is number one retained rider.

Speaking today, Paul Townend said: “It will be a new experience for me. I’ve seen plenty of racing from Exeter, but I’ve never been there, so it’s nice to go there and try something else. Hopefully, we are going there with a big chance. It’s always nice to go anywhere with a big chance and I am looking forward to it.”

Ahead of making his debut at Exeter, the jockey has taken counsel from two jockeys who have experience of the racecourse.

He continued: “I was chatting to Johnny Burke last night about the place and I gave Ruby (Walsh) a ring, as he has been around there more than anyone else I know. Ruby is the go-to man and had plenty of pointers for me.

“I’ll get there nice and early and have a walk around the course. We were watching Exeter closely earlier in the year when Lulamba won there and I’ve seen videos of Kauto Star racing there, so it is a place I am familiar with and it looks a good place to ride.”

On the chances of Fun Fun Fun, the jockey concluded: “Fun Fun Fun has won there over hurdles and has got beaten there over fences. I had a nice win on her up at Perth last year.

“On ratings, it looks a good opportunity for her and definitely one I couldn’t pass up.”

Paul Townend at a recent media event in Ireland

Photo Credit: Inpho Photography/The Jockey Club

Friday’s seven-race card gets underway at 2.14pm and also includes the marathon Nick Ansell, Devon National Handicap Chase (2.45pm, 7 runners), which Art Decco will attempt to win for the second year in succession.

This is the first Community Raceday at Exeter Racecourse and will see the crowning of the inaugural Community Champion. After receiving many strong nominations, Donna Cook was selected as the winner by a panel of three.

Donna, who lives in Chudleigh, is Chair of Cancer Lifeline South West, a small local charity supporting cancer patients and carers after treatment. She is an exceptional fundraiser and motivator who, both independently and through her wide network of local contacts, ensures that every event is supplied with generous quantities of homemade cakes and savouries. She is renowned for her ability to source raffle and draw prizes almost out of thin air. For the charity’s major draw last year, she not only secured several of the prizes but also sold almost 25 per cent of all tickets herself. In recent years, she has also trained for and completed a competitive road race to raise further funds.

Her commitment to community life extends far beyond one organisation. Donna gives her time and energy to numerous local causes, including:

* Face painting at events throughout the year for a range of charities

* Running the kiosk and volunteer rota at Chudleigh Swimming Pool each summer

* Raising money for a school in Africa through Bags of Hope

* Coaching the local netball team

Donna is a bundle of energy and the life and soul of any event. She is always ready to help others, and this recognition reflects the enormous goodwill she brings to her community.

For more information and to book tickets for Community Raceday, please go to www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/exeter/