YOU’D need a heart of stone to begrudge Jack Kennedy a big week at Cheltenham given his shocking injury woes.
And with boss Gordon Elliott sending a powerful armada across the Irish Sea, the two men look set to make a major impact across the four days.
The two after winning the Betway Paddy Power Stayers Hurdle at last year’s Festival[/caption]
Nicky Henderson’s star runner will go out as the favourite in Tuesday’s big race which will get going at 4pm[/caption]
But it was never certain Kennedy would make it back in time for the Festival, as he only received the all-clear to return from his SIXTH leg break on February 28.
To recap, he first broke his leg in September 2016 as a 17-year-old, returned just 27 days later and broke the same leg again on just his second ride back.
Then, in May 2017, he fell at Punchestown and broke his left femur — before breaking his right femur in on the eve of the 2020 Festival.
In January 2023 he did both bones in his lower left leg and then, in November last year, he broke his right tibia — meaning he has broken every leg bone at least once.
He also broke an arm in 2021, has done his collarbone five times between 2019 and 2023 and has had God knows how many other bumps and scrapes along the way.
It feels like poor old Jack has spent more time in A&E than on horseback over the last few years.
And yet, amidst all the turmoil, he has still found time to ride a dozen Festival winners.
It’s dollars to donuts he’ll add to that tally and Elliott to his current total of 40.
The one they want more than any is Brighterdaysahead, who takes on Constitution Hill in the Champion Hurdle tomorrow.
Kennedy said: “I was hoping Gordon and Michael O’Leary would decide to run her in the Champion and I’m very pleased they have chosen to do that.
“I sat on her the other day for the first time since she won the Morgiana, and she felt absolutely great.
“Constitution Hill is the one to beat and we have great respect for him, but I’m very happy with her.”
Big Gord has plenty of chances elsewhere this week and the pair of them could get off to a flying start with Romeo Coolio in the Supreme.
Elliott said: “Kopek Des Bordes looked good at Leopardstown and sets the standard, but our lad has got plenty of experience.
“We’ve kept him nice and fresh for this race and he’s been in very good form.”
They teamed up to win one of the feature races last year with Teahupoo in the Stayers’ Hurdle, and he’s a red-hot favourite once again.
Kennedy said: “I’ve sat on him a few times since I’ve been back riding and he’s giving me a great feel.
“Gordon made the decision to come here fresh and it worked last year, so hopefully it can pay off again.”
There is little doubt Willie Mullins will end up as top trainer this week, but Elliott has as good a chance as any of grabbing silver.
He said: “We’ve got a lovely team going over and it’s so good to have Jack back.
“There is only one Jack! It’s going to be a big week.”
