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Stage is set for thrilling climax to Irish title race as Paul Townend tries to catch Jack Kennedy in epic tussle

Paul Townend (left) and Jack Kennedy: locked in battle in the jockeys' title
Paul Townend (left) and Jack Kennedy: locked in battle in the jockeys' title

It all comes down to this. It's the last minute of injury-time, both men are battered and bruised, and Paul Townend's down – but he's not quite out.

At about 5.30pm on Saturday we will know the final score. We could know earlier if Jack Kennedy has won his first jump jockeys' championship at the age of 25, but if Paul Townend is to reel him in and claim his seventh title he'll need every race to do it.

Olympic Man is the last of five rides on the final day of the season for Townend in the Listed 2m4f handicap hurdle (5.25) and he can fully concentrate on those without keeping an eye on Kennedy as the current table-topper is suspended and has to sit out the final chapter of what has been an utterly compelling story. 

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David JenningsDeputy Ireland editor

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