Who Is Paul Townend? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on September 15, 1990, Paul Townend is an acclaimed Irish jockey recognized for his exceptional achievements in horse racing. As of 2025, he is 34 years old and continues to make headlines with his remarkable riding skills and dedication to the sport. Townend’s journey began in County Kerry, Ireland, where he developed a passion for horseracing from a young age. His career skyrocketed when he became a stable jockey for the famous trainer Willie Mullins, leading to several significant wins and accolades.
| Occupation | Equestrian |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 15, 1990 |
| Age | 35 Years |
| Birth Place | N/A |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country |
Popularity
Paul Townend's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Paul Townend stands at an impressive height, approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall, which is favorable for a jockey. His weight typically hovers around 140 lbs (63 kg), aligning well with the standards of professional jockeys to maintain optimal performance levels. His physical fitness routine is crucial for ensuring agility and endurance on the racetrack.
Townend started his racing career riding on the flat. His first win was on The Chip Chopman in an apprentice handicap at Limerick on 22 June 2007, when he was sixteen. He rode ten winners that season, but switched to riding over fences as a conditional jockey in 2008 due to his weight.
In July 2008 he rode Indian Pace to victory in the Galway Hurdle. There were no more wins until November 2008, when he rode Hurricane Fly to victory in the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle on his first ride in a Grade 1 for Mullins. He had been given the ride because Mullins' number one jockey was sidelined with an injury.
On New years Eve 2008 he rode out his claim by winning a treble at Tramore. He had his first ride in the Grand National in 2009, coming eleventh on Irish Invader. He rode his first Cheltenham Festival winner in 2011, when What A Charm, trained by Arthur Moore, won the Fred Winter Juvenile Novices' Handicap Hurdle.
That season he became Irish jump racing Champion Jockey for the first time.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Paul Townend is known to be in a relationship with fellow equestrian enthusiast and local businesswoman, Jane Kelly. The couple has been seen together at various events, showcasing their strong bond. While there is limited information publicly available about his family, it's known that Paul has supportive parents and siblings who encourage his career in racing.
Townend (born 15 September 1990) comes from a racing background and grew up on a small farm in east County Cork. His father Tim trains point-to-point horses, his youngest sister Jody is an amateur jockey, and a cousin is retired jockey Davy Condon.
He attended primary school in the village of Lisgoold and then went on to Midleton CBS Secondary School. While at school, he competed in pony racing. Having lost his mother Josephine to cancer, he left school after junior certificate and became an apprentice at the yard of trainer Willie Mullins, where his cousin was a jockey.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Paul Townend's estimated net worth is around $5 million. His substantial income primarily comes from winnings, endorsements, and sponsorship deals with various equestrian brands. He is one of the highest-paid jockeys in the industry, with earnings from racing events exceeding $1 million annually.
Career, Business, and Investments
Paul's career has been marked by several prestigious wins, including his major triumph in the Cheltenham Festival. Beyond racing, Paul Townend is involved in various business ventures, including ownership stakes in racing horses and collaborations with training facilities. His business acumen extends to investments in equestrian gear, contributing to the growth of his financial portfolio.
Paul Townend (born 15 September 1990) is an Irish jockey who competes in National Hunt racing. From Lisgoold in County Cork, he has been attached to the yard of Irish trainer Willie Mullins since he was fifteen, beginning his career as an apprentice flat racing jockey. Following the retirement of Ruby Walsh in 2019, Townend became the number one jockey to the Mullins yard.
Social Network
Paul Townend is active on social media, particularly Instagram and Twitter, where he shares insights into his racing career, personal life, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the equestrian world. His engaging posts and interactions with fans have made him a beloved figure among racing enthusiasts.
Education
Though specific details about Paul Townend's educational background are not widely publicized, it is known that he pursued his passion for horse racing from a young age, focusing on practical experience over formal academic training. His early exposure to the racing world has played a pivotal role in shaping his skills and career trajectory.
In conclusion, Paul Townend continues to shine in the world of horse racing, with his athleticism, dedication, and strategic insights contributing to his ongoing success and a promising future ahead.
In April 2023, Townend won the Irish Grand National with I Am Maximus, owned by JP McManus and trained by Mullins. The following year, the partnership won the Aintree Grand National. It was Townend's thirteenth ride in the race.
He had only completed the course on three occasions, coming eleventh on Irish Invader in 2009, sixteenth on Prince De Beauchene in 2014 and third on Gaillard Du Mesnil in 2023.
