Paul Townend causes chaos at Punchestown in dramatic finish

Paul Townend was banned for 21 days for dangerous riding after a chaotic finish to the Growise Champion Novice Chase at Punchestown on Tuesday.

Townend and Al Boum Photo appeared to have the Grade 1 contest at their mercy until the jockey's inexplicable actions coming into the final fence of the three-miler.

Championship-chasing trainer Willie Mullins looked in a strong position rounding the home turn, with Invitation Only and Al Boum Photo both in contention either side of Henry de Bromhead's 2-1 favourite Monalee.

However, few could have envisaged what would happen next.

Monalee took a crashing fall two fences from home, badly hampering Invitation Only, who unshipped David Mullins.

That incident left Al Boum Photo in command before jockey Townend tried to manoeuvre his mount across the track, and in doing so ended up taking both himself and Finian's Oscar out of the race.

The Storyteller, who won a handicap at last month's Cheltenham Festival, was left in front in the hands of Davy Russell and galloped on to lead home a one-two-three for Elliott, with Monbeg Notorious and Jury Duty finishing second and third respectively.

Elliott said: "I don't what happened. We got a bit of luck on our side and we needed it with the way the day started off.

"I don't know what happened to Paul Townend, it all happened that quick. I was standing at the last and when I saw Paul going I wasn't sure if it had been bypassed.

"It worked out great for me so I can't complain. He's won a Grade One now and won at Cheltenham."

Watch the incident by clicking the video at the top of the page