Leading Irish jumps rider Jack Kennedy is expected to be back from his injury much sooner than expected and has two rides on Wednesday at Punchestown to ease him back into the sport.
The 21 year old has not been seen on a racecourse since breaking his leg in a fall at the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown in February on board Dallas Des Pictons.
In the same day he managed to land the Irish Gold Cup, but in the ever up and down world of a jumps jockey, just an hour later he suffered a nasty fall on the Giggingstown owned horse and subsequently broke his leg which saw him miss the Cheltenham festival.
Kennedy has two rides on Wednesday for his retained trainer Gordon Elliott on board Get Rich Die Plyin and Cherif De L'isle at Punchestown provided he is passed fit by the doctor before the days play.
🥊 Delta Work vs Kemboy vs Presenting Percy - three warriors, one fine finish
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) February 2, 2020
Delta Work wins the Irish Gold Cup for @gelliott_racing & @jackkennedy15 at @LeopardstownRC
🏆 Grade One Savills Chase
🏆 Grade One Irish Gold Cup
✅ Double completed... next stop Cheltenham pic.twitter.com/tEX89HE7vy
(Credit Racing Post) He explained: "I have to pass the doctor but we declared and, all going well, I'll be back at Punchestown. Touch wood it will be a nice and straightforward return."
Kennedy added: “I'm due to see Paddy Kenny at 11am on Tuesday so we'll know more then, but hopefully we’ll get the news we want.”
Last season, ultimately, was a term to forget for the young rider although landing Grade 1 victories aboard Delta Work twice, Apple's Jade and Abacadabras, his injury is something he will quickly want to put behind him.
He explained: “I'm very excited. I've been waiting a while now so it will be nice to get back into the swing of things and get back to old ways. I've been riding out for a good few weeks and feel good, so I just can't wait to get back now.”