Why Jack Kennedy would prefer another golden moment to being champion jockey

The Kerry native won the blue riband at the 2021 Festival, a meeting that was held behind closed doors due to the continued impact of the pandemic

Mon, 26 Feb, 2024 - 18:15

Tommy Lyons

Earlier this month, riding Coko Beach at Punchestown Racecourse, jockey Jack Kennedy recorded his 100th winner of the season. It was a first century for the Kerry native, whose 500th career victory came earlier in the season, and the eight winners which he has since added to his tally have helped him to maintain a lead of eight over reigning champ Paul Townend in a jockeys’ championship which could go down to the wire.

Were he to maintain the advantage all the way to the end of this racing season, It would be quite the feather in the cap of the rider who will turn 25 before time is called on these proceedings. It is the breakthrough we all expect to happen one day but, quite unequivocally, Kennedy has other priorities.