Skip to content

Jack Kennedy: Cheltenham Gold Cup winner set for return after Tipperary fall on Sunday

The Gold Cup-winning rider has endured a frustrating run, with a string of long-term injuries punctuating a successful career to date; Sunday's fall was not as bad as first feared and he could return to the saddle this week

Minella Indo and Jack Kennedy landed the Gold Cup last year - can they repeat the trick in 2022?
Image: Minella Indo and Jack Kennedy landed the Gold Cup last year

Jack Kennedy could make a swift return to action after suffering bruising in a fall at Tipperary on Sunday.

There were fears Kennedy could be set for another spell on the sidelines following his fall from Fancy Foundations in the Tipperary Town Plate Handicap Chase.

The eight-year-old looked likely to finish a well-held second before a tired fall at the last saw the gelding part company with his rider.

Jockey Jack Kennedy celebrates in the parade ring with Mighty Potter after winning the Bective Stud Champion Novice Hurdle on day one of the Punchestown Festival at Punchestown Racecourse in County Kildare, Ireland. Picture date: Tuesday April 26, 2022.
Image: Jockey Jack Kennedy celebrates in the parade ring with Mighty Potter after winning the Bective Stud Champion Novice Hurdle on day one of the Punchestown Festival

The jockey underwent an X-Ray on Monday morning to reveal the extent of any damage caused by the fall, but was given the positive news there were no broken bones.

The Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning rider is booked for five mounts at Ballinrobe on Tuesday, but Kennedy's agent Kevin O'Ryan has suggested the 23-year-old will wait until the morning before deciding whether to make a swift return to the saddle.

Watch the King George on Sky Sports Racing
Watch the King George on Sky Sports Racing

Don't miss the King George and Queen Elizabeth Stakes from Ascot on Saturday 23 July on Sky Sports Racing

"His X-ray has come back fine, all OK," said O'Ryan. "Jack wants to see what it is like in the morning, before he decides when he next rides. But all the X-rays are clear thankfully, just bruising.

Also See:

"He's OK, whether he rides on Tuesday or not is another thing, he may choose to take a few days off, but nothing is broken."

Around Sky