Jack's the lad at Punchestown
Jockey Jack Kennedy with trainer Gordon Elliott and Brighterdaysahead in the winner's enclosure at Punchestown today after winning the Unibet Morgiana Hurdle Photo: ©INPHO/Peter Mooney
Jack Kennedy had a day to remember at Punchestown today as he rode a brilliant treble for Gordon Elliott, including taking the feature race of the day.
Kennedy gave Brighterdaysahead a brilliant ride as the mare battled to beat heavy favourite State Man in a magnificent renewal of the Grade 1 Unibet Morgiana Hurdle.
A new kid on the block! ⚡️
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) November 23, 2024
𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬𝐚𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 gets the better of reigning champion State Man in a belting finish to the Grade 1 @unibet Morgiana Hurdle.@gelliott_racing | @jackkennedy15 pic.twitter.com/KAKE7GbmM2
Earlier in the day, Kennedy made sure Stellar Story just about held on to beat Search For Glory in a Grade 2 Boodles Florida Pearl Novice Chase that had just three runners, all trained by Elliott.
The Kerry jockey rounded off his day with a perfectly judged ride on 8/1 shot Binge Worthy to take the Albert Bartlett Triple Crown Series Qualifier Handicap Hurdle.
Although there was disappointment in the feature race for one of Willie Mullins’ stars, the Closutton maestro will be pleased with the performance of Ballyburn who strolled to victory on his Chase debut, a win that saw that him installed as favourite for the Arkle at next year’s Cheltenham Festival.
Racing at the Punchestown Premiere Weekend continues on Sunday with most of the attention on the Grade 1 John Durkan Memorial with the likes of Gaolpin Des Champs, Fastorslow and Fact To File all expected to compete, while Kennedy will quietly fancy his chances of continuing his brilliant weekend on highly rated outsider Spillane’s Tower.
