Jack Kennedy is back. The Irish champion jockey broke his leg – for the sixth time – in late November. He’ll be back for Cheltenham. Actually, back at Leopardstown Monday to rub polish off his boots and muddy a few saddles. He’ll come back like he never left, like he’s never hit the deck, like he’s never felt pain.
An 11-time winner at Cheltenham, Kennedy has probably won more races and missed more time than any jockey, certainly any 25-year-old jockey. Ever.
Kennedy will reunite with Brighterdaysahead for the Unibet Champion Hurdle or the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle. She could win the former, she’ll definitely win the latter. Beyond her, Teahupoo will line up favorite – evens at the moment – for the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle. Beyond those two, top novice Romeo Coolio, undefeated novice The Yellow Clay, potent novice chaser Better Days Ahead and the rest of the Gordon Elliott battalion await. There is nothing like good horses to help the healing process.
Cheltenham looms. Kennedy returns. Game on.
