Top jockey Jack Kennedy to miss Cheltenham Festival with broken leg with Davy Russell to take over
GOLD CUP winner Jack Kennedy has failed in his bid to recover from a broken leg in time for the Cheltenham Festival.
The top jockey, 23, fractured his tibia and fibula after a heavy fall at Naas in early January.
Jack Kennedy will miss the Cheltenham Festival through injurySportsfile
He has been in a race against time to get himself back for a top-class book of rides for his boss Gordon Elliott.
But after meeting with his surgeon Paddy Kenny on Friday morning, Kennedy was ruled out after what was a fifth leg break in just a few years.
He is expected to need another three to four weeks on the sidelines, which means he should be back for the Grand National meeting in April.
Davy Russell, who came out of retirement in January after Kennedy suffered his injury, will now be number one jock for Elliott at the Festival, which starts on March 14.
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Gordon Elliott told the Racing Post: “Unfortunately, after working incredibly hard over the last two months to try to get back for Cheltenham, Jack won’t make it.
“He saw his surgeon Paddy Kenny this morning and it looks like he will be out for another three or four weeks.
“There are still plenty of big races after Cheltenham so we’ll be looking forward to welcoming him back for Fairyhouse, Aintree and Punchestown.
“We have a terrific team of jockeys here in Cullentra and I’m in the very lucky position of having Davy Russell, Jordan Gainford and Sam Ewing there.
“Davy’s experience around Cheltenham is invaluable, while Jordan and Sam are a huge part of the team here. I couldn’t speak highly enough of them. There will be plenty of rides for them all at Cheltenham.”
Elliott is heading to Cheltenham with a strong squad of horses this season.
Teahupoo is currently the 4-1 second favourite for the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle with the sponsors after an easy win in the Galmoy Hurdle last month.
And the likes of Mighty Potter, who is 11-8 for the Turners’ Novice Chase, and hot Cross Country favourite Delta Work add further depth to his team.
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