Kennedy and Outlander hit the big time

Jack Kennedy (17) rode his 100th winner and his biggest to date when capturing his first Grade 1 win aboard Outlander (11/1) as he led home a one two for Gigginstown House Stud and Gordon Elliott in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown.

Elliott, earlier on the mark with Stone Hard and Missy Tata at Limerick, would have been pretty happy going to the last, but at that stage Valseur Lido (Gigginstown as well and Henry de Bromhead) and Djakadam (heavily backed 5/4 favourite) were still in there pitching.

However Outlander always showed a lot of class in his days with Willie Mullins, including when victorious in a Grade 1 novice here at the track back in February.

He's carried that form across since joining Elliott this term, and it was notable the ground he was able to put between himself and the rest close home, spurting away by two and a quarter lengths from Don Poli

Djakadam finished a head back in third, whilst Valseur Lido, the choice of Gigginstown number one Bryan Cooper, ended up four and a half lengths back in fourth.

"It was touch and go whether he ran here or went to Tramore (on Sunday), and with the ground drying out we decided to come here," admitted Elliott.

He added: "He was only beaten about a length by Djakadam at Punchestown the last day, and one jump made the difference between winning and losing. I suppose the obvious race is to come back here for the Gold Cup (in February).

"I'm delighted with Don Poli, and I'd say the Grand National is the plan with him."

Owner Michael O'Leary meanwhile stated: "We were mob-handed here today but where else do you go. The best news from the race was probably Don Poli after the way he ran in Down Royal.

"It was a great training performance by Gordon with the first two. Outlander only ran a few weeks ago, and he's also done a great job getting Don Poli back to form.

"I thought coming here today that if we had a Gold Cup horse it was Valseur Lido. He didn't finish out his race and maybe he will go back for the Ryanair."

For Jack Kennedy it's been a remarkable start to his career. It certainly can't be said that he doesn't know about the harshness of the game either, as he's already had to bounce back after breaking his leg twice.

What a thrilling spectacle! Outlander wins the Lexus Chase at @LeopardstownRC under @jackkennedy15: pic.twitter.com/BXJk1nJpB6

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) December 28, 2016

Outlander - Gold Cup

12/1 introduced with Paddy Power, 20/1 introduced with Ladbrokes.

(AM & EM)