Jack Kennedy returns with a winner at Punchestown

Jack Kennedy made the perfect return after seven months on the sidelines when partnering Get Rich Die Plyin to justify favouritism in the Enter Now For Goffs December National Hunt Sale Maiden Hurdle at Punchestown.

The talented but injury prone rider has been absent since breaking his right leg in a fall at the Dublin Racing Festival in Leopardstown and had a good blowout here over an extended two miles and seven furlongs.

The Gordon Elliott-trained 5/4 favourite made headway between horses to lead entering the straight and drew clear approaching the final flight.

The Beat Hollow gelding stayed on really well on the run-in to beat Cardboard Gangster by 15 lengths, with Peres Et Fils another length and a half back in third.

Kennedy said, “I couldn’t have asked for a better start so long may it continue.

“I’ve been back riding out for three weeks, and I’m having a good old blow after that today. Everything felt as good as expected.”

Elliott said, “It's great to have Jack back with a winner. Everyone knows he's been off since February but he showed at the Dublin Racing Festival the class of rider he is. He'd just won the Irish Gold Cup and to get back with a winner is very important. Everyone is delighted for him.

“He's a grand horse and he probably wants more of a trip. We'll try to find a winners’ of one race over three miles.”