IRELAND’S best jockey Jack Kennedy is a huge doubt for Cheltenham Festival after breaking his leg in a fall that killed a horse.
The Gordon Elliott-trained Top Bandit was sadly fatally injured in a fall at Naas on Sunday.
Kennedy is now a massive doubt for March’s Cheltenham Festival
Kennedy, who is leading the Irish jump jockey championship from Willie Mullins’ No1 Paul Townend, was rushed to hospital after the incident.
Elliott said in the aftermath that he suspected the worst for Kennedy, who won the 2021 Gold Cup on Minella Indo.
And those fears came true on Monday when it was confirmed Kennedy, 23, had broken his right femur.
It is the second time the jockey, Elliott’s No1 rider, has broken his leg in just under three years.
His agent Kevin O’Ryan said: “It looks like it’s a fracture of his lower leg and he’ll go and see a surgeon in a couple of days.
“It’s a big blow, but it could always be worse.”
Asked how long he will be out, O’Ryan added: “How long is a piece of string? Everybody heals differently.
“He’ll be doing his damnedest to be back as quickly as possible, but how long that will be, nobody knows.”
Elliott recently saw his former No1 Davy Russell retire.
The iconic Irish rider won the Grand National twice on Tiger Roll but called it a day with one last win at Thurles.
Kennedy’s injury has sparked talk Russell could make a spectacular return to the Festival.
Elliott will now rely on the likes of Jordan Gainford, Sam Ewing and Denis O’Regan for Cheltenham success.
He said: “Whatever happens, the horses will be here for him when he’s back. He’s a massive part of the team at Cullentra and I wish him a speedy recovery.”
More to follow.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/horse-racing/racehorse-trainer-whose-son-tragically-died-and-has-battled-cancer-ends-eight-year-wait-for-a-winner/
