A FORGOTTEN jockey who's made millions aged just 24 and raced for one of the biggest trainers in the game made a winning comeback after months in the wilderness.
Jack Kennedy was being lined up for a blockbuster season in the saddle six months ago.
Brought in as Gordon Elliott's No1 amid Davy Russell's retirement, he had a host of huge rides in the Spring festivals all raring to go.
But then the former Gold Cup winner suffered a broken leg for an unbelievable fifth time last January.
Initially it was hoped he would be back in time for Cheltenham Festival, then the Grand National Festival at Aintree.
Horse racing tips: Templegate NAP benefits from superstar Hollie Doyle getting the ride at Newcastle
But when neither of those happened even his appearance at April's Punchestown Festival looked a real doubt.
Kennedy opted not to rush back and instead took his time on the sidelines, nursing his leg back to full health.
And the patient approach seems to have finally paid off as he enjoyed a lung-opener at Cartmel last Sunday before getting a winner at Tipperary on Tuesday.
Kennedy, whose rides have won more than £5million over the past five years, scored on 4-1 I A Connect for Elliott.
The success was short lived, with his next horse finishing third and final ride being pulled up.
But at least Kennedy, who will go back to being three-time Grand National winner Elliott's top jockey, now has that winning feeling once more.
And he said it all systems go for Galway Festival at the end of this month.
Kennedy, whose roll of honour includes ten Cheltenham Festival wins as well as the Aintree Hurdle and Irish Gold Cup, said: "It's brilliant.
"The horse probably wants a bit further than that trip so I sent him on a bit early and all he did was stay.
"He stuck his neck out and battled.
Horse racing tips: This 17-2 chance running over ideal trip is one of three place punts on Monday
"I had a good blow out at Cartmel. I started back riding about six weeks ago and the leg feels good.
"It was a long road back but I didn’t put myself under any pressure once I wasn't back for the Spring festivals.
"I gave it a bit more time and I'm looking forward to getting back now."
FREE BETS GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
