25 March 2024 , 10:02
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Police in Ireland are hunting a gang of thugs who set upon two top jockeys days after they starred at the Cheltenham Festival.
, Jack Kennedy and Sam Ewing were “attacked” in the centre of Naas, Co Kildare in the early hours of Monday, three days after the Festival concluded.
The report said they were the victims of a group of young men after comments were made about the riders’ performance at Cheltenham, even though they both rode winners.
Kennedy, 25, who is stable jockey to top trainer Gordon Elliott, won the Stayers’ Hurdle on Teahupoo and Ewing rode Stellar Story to victory in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle. Both horses were trained by Elliott.
A source told the Irish Mirror: “They got set upon by a group of men who complained about the number of races the pair won. It was crazy altogether.
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“They are both inoffensive young fellas and did not deserve this. They were the victims here.”
According to the report, Antrim-born Mr Ewing was singled out by the mob as he walked along South Main Street in Naas at around 3am on March 18.
Kennedy, from Co Kerry, was attacked after going to his friend’s assistance. It is understood they were repeatedly punched and kicked before they managed to escape and alerted the Gardai.
Sam Ewing: "attacked" days after riding a winner at the Cheltenham Festival (PA)Gardaí confirmed that an assault was being investigated and said no arrests had been made.
“Gardaí at Naas received a report of an alleged assault incident that occurred at approximately 3:15am on Monday, 18th of April 2024, on South Main Street in Naas, Co Kildare,” said a spokesman.
“Two males, aged in their 20s, were injured during the incident. No arrests have been made at this time, and inquiries are ongoing.”
Neither of the jockeys could be contacted for comment while Elliott told the Irish Mirror he was unaware of the incident.
Kennedy rode four winners over the weekend to maintain his lead in the 2023-24 Irish jump jockeys championship.