PAUL Townend hailed dual Champion Chase hero Energumene as a 'horse of any rider's career' after the 12-year-old veteran defied father time with an exuberant display to land the Grade 2 Underwriting Exchange Fairyhouse Chase - his first win since the 2024 Hilly Way Chase.

Willie Mullins, who saddled a 1-2 with Blood Destiny in second, was thrilled with Tony Bloom’s veteran, though the race had a sad postscript with the same stable’s prolific winner Blood Destiny suffering a fatal injury at the third last fence.

This mightn’t be the last time we see Energumene this season, with a tilt at the Punchestown Festival to be discussed after this six-length strike.

“That was lovely, really, really enjoyable,” said Townend.

“It was brilliant to have him back in his comfort zone where he could jump for fun when I let him; there were a couple where he was still in Champion Chase mode! We got in a good rhythm and, down the home straight, it was a joy to be on his back.

“He’s pushing on now. I know I’m very fortunate to ride a lot of good horses but if anyone got a horse like this in their lifetime, he’d be the horse of their career. A horse like him shows how much horses enjoy racing. He went around looking for the next fence, wanting to attack it and gallop. It was just brilliant to get him back in front.”

Mullins added: “I don’t know what he’s on at 12 years of age but I’m going to get some of it! I couldn’t believe how well he was going. You could see Paul just absolutely tanking and the further he was going the better he was liking it.

“I’m just amazed that he could put in such a performance today. I’m delighted with Blood Destiny too and very sorry for Saint Sam and connections.

“Energumene stole the show. At 12 years of age to put in a performance like that…He ran like a seven or eight-year-old. I think he’ll have an entry in Punchestown and then we’ll review the situation with connections.”