Forgotten jockey who’s won millions aged just 24 makes winning comeback
A FORGOTTEN jockey who’s made millions aged just 24 and raced for one of the biggest trainers in the game made a winning comeback after months in the wilderness.
Jack Kennedy was being lined up for a blockbuster season in the saddle six months ago.
Brought in as Gordon Elliott’s No1 amid Davy Russell’s retirement, he had a host of huge rides in the Spring festivals all raring to go.
But then the former Gold Cup winner suffered a broken leg for an unbelievable fifth time last January.
Initially it was hoped he would be back in time for Cheltenham Festival, then the Grand National Festival at Aintree.
But when neither of those happened even his appearance at April’s Punchestown Festival looked a real doubt.
Kennedy opted not to rush back and instead took his time on the sidelines, nursing his leg back to full health.
And the patient approach seems to have finally paid off as he enjoyed a lung-opener at Cartmel last Sunday before getting a winner at Tipperary on Tuesday.
Kennedy, whose rides have won more than £5million over the past five years, scored on 4-1 I A Connect for Elliott.
The success was short lived, with his next horse finishing third and final ride being pulled up.
But at least Kennedy, who will go back to being three-time Grand National winner Elliott’s top jockey, now has that winning feeling once more.
And he said it all systems go for Galway Festival at the end of this month.
Kennedy, whose roll of honour includes ten Cheltenham Festival wins as well as the Aintree Hurdle and Irish Gold Cup, said: “It’s brilliant.
“The horse probably wants a bit further than that trip so I sent him on a bit early and all he did was stay.
“He stuck his neck out and battled.
“I had a good blow out at Cartmel. I started back riding about six weeks ago and the leg feels good.
“It was a long road back but I didn’t put myself under any pressure once I wasn’t back for the Spring festivals.
“I gave it a bit more time and I’m looking forward to getting back now.”
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