Jack Kennedy has emerged as a serious doubt for this year’s Cheltenham Festival having sustained a significant leg injury following a fall from Top Bandit in a novice chase at Naas on Sunday.
Gordon Elliott trains Top Bandit and he said the jockey faces being sidelined for the “Foreseeable future” owing to what is by all accounts a high grade leg injury.
It’s another bitter blow for the 23-year-old Kerryman who, despite becoming one of the Galacticos of his sport, has had his career harrangued by a succession of serious setbacks. Including two previous leg breaks.
While there is never a good time to pick up any injury, it’s a particularly bitter blow for both Elliott and Kennedy as the rider had only recently assumed the role of number one pilot at the Cullentra House yard following the recent retirement of Davy Russell.
In Kennedy’s absence Gordon would most likely turn to the ageless Denis O’Regan and Keith Donoghue and Jordan Gainford and Jamie Codd to cater for what is likely to be a large team for the best week’s sport of the year.
Didn’t think Keith donoghue was involved anymore but best of luck to jack hope it’s not as bad as it seems.
It appears you are correct John, though I don’t know was anything said officially? He seems to be riding most of Gavin’s now