Darragh O’Keeffe remains top of the leading jockey standings but reigning champion Paul Townend’s surge up the table continues after a successful start to 2022.

Townend, seeking his fourth consecutive leading jockey crown, is making up for lost time following his injury and saddled a successful comeback for Al Boum Photo in the Savills New Year’s Day Chase.

Further victories at Naas and Fairyhouse in the last fortnight have taken the 31-year-old to 41 victories for the season, level with Mark Walsh and Jordan Gainford.

All three are six adrift of O’Keeffe, who banked his first victory of the new year aboard Rebel Early at Cork last Saturday.

Rachael Blackmore completes the top five, with her sole success over the past fortnight also coming in last weekend’s meeting at Cork as Shantreusse led the way in the Happy New Year From All At Cork Maiden Hurdle.

Leading jockey standings

1. Darragh O’Keeffe – 47
2. Jordan Gainford – 41
3. Mark Walsh – 41
4. Paul Townend – 41
5. Rachael Blackmore – 40
6. Sean O’Keeffe – 36
7. Jack Foley – 36
8. Bryan Cooper – 36
9. Shane Fitzgerald – 34
10. Davy Russell - 34