Jack Kennedy out of luck on return but hoping for Brighterdaysahead

Jack Kennedy was pleased to get in some crucial match practice ahead of next week’s Cheltenham Festival after picking up minor honours on his first two rides back after injury at Leopardstown on Monday.

The 25-year-old had been sidelined since breaking his leg for a sixth time in a fall at Fairyhouse in late November, but was given the green light to return to the saddle last Friday.

Kennedy finished third on his comeback ride aboard Gordon Elliott’s Arabian Diamond and then jumped on his stablemate Qualimita, who was an 8-11 favourite to provide the champion jockey with a welcome winner in the 1888 Restaurant Mares Maiden Hurdle.

The six-year-old was left in front after the pacesetting Glens Lullaby crashed out in the back straight, but tired on the run to the final flight and ultimately picked up the silver medal behind clear-cut winner Barnahash Primrose.

“The leg feels good and the fitness is good. I’m a bit disappointed not to get a winner there, but it’s great to be back,” said Kennedy.

“Today was a good starting point. There’s a couple of entries in Thurles (on Thursday) and I’m sure I’ll be in Gowran and Naas over the weekend. We’ll tip away and see how we get on.”

When asked how important it was to get some rides before the Festival, he added: “Very important. I’m fit enough, but just to get the eye back in and get back into the swing of things is very important.”

Barring any further setbacks, Kennedy can look forward to a strong book of rides at Prestbury Park, not least Brighterdaysahead, who earlier on Monday was confirmed for a mouthwatering clash with Constitution Hill in the Unibet Champion Hurdle.

His other likely mounts include the defending Stayers’ Hurdle champion Teahupoo, plus The Yellow Clay and Romeo Coolio, who are bound for the Turners and Supreme Novices’ Hurdle contests respectively.

Kennedy added: “To be going there with a live chance in a Champion Hurdle is very exciting, fingers crossed we’ll go well anyway.

“She looks great, Gordon is very happy with her and Shane McCann (work rider) is very happy with her – and when they’re happy, I’m happy.

“I’ve sat on Teahupoo a couple of times since I started back riding out and he’s in good form. I’m looking forward to riding him as well.

“The Yellow Clay is a grand, unassuming horse who doesn’t show you a whole pile at home and then he gets to the racecourse and is very good. You like them that way and he’s going from strength to strength, so hopefully he keeps going that way.

“Romeo Coolio is very good as well and I think people have kind of forgotten about him a little bit since Willie’s horse (Kopek Des Bordes) won here at the Dublin Racing Festival. I think he could be going in under the radar a little bit.”

Kennedy has also identified his likely Champion Bumper ride in the form of dual winner Kalypso’chance.

He said: “If I get the pick of them, I’d probably pick him. He’s another that wouldn’t show you a whole pile at home and then he gets to the racecourse and comes alive.”