Bob Townend passes away

FORMER professional jockey Bob [Robin] Townend died peacefully last weekend in a Co Cork nursing home. A brother to trainer Tim Townend, he was a uncle to Paul and Jody Townend, and to former jockey Davy Condon.

Tim Townend said: “Bob started as an amateur with Mick O’Toole. As a professional, he was second jockey to Dessie Hughes and rode a lot of winners for him and for Tom Nicholson. Martin Brassil and John Queally were his contemporaries at that time. Bob also rode for Mouse Morris and John Kiely.”

Bob remained in the industry after his riding career. His final job was with The Beeches Stud but he was forced to retire when diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. His health deteriorated over the past five years.

Gowran Park rescheduled

THE Gowran Park meeting cancelled last Wednesday due to waterlogging has been rescheduled for next Tuesday evening, April 18th. Declaration will be made tomorrow, Sunday.

Gambling Bill moves forward

THE Department of Justice has given its backing to the progression of the Gambling Regulation Bill through parliament in its 2023 Justice Plan. If it passes, the bill could lead to a ban on all gambling-related promotions, and prevent operators from using free bets as an incentive to recruit new players.

Giving his backing to the legislation, Minister of State for Law Reform James Browne said: “It is an important and necessary bill and reform, designed to meet the challenges of gambling responsibly in 21st century Ireland.”

Betfred to sponsor Oaks and Derby at Epsom

BETFRED has been announced as the new sponsor of the Derby and the Oaks at Epsom.

The bookmaker has been a longstanding supporter of British racing, with their previous sponsorships including the Cheltenham Gold Cup between 2012 and 2015, the Group 1 Sprint Cup at Haydock and the Ebor at York. In a three-year deal, Betfred will also support two other races across the two days of the Derby meeting, which this year takes place on June 2nd and 3rd.