Ndaawi and Jack Kennedy© Photo Healy Racing
Jockeys' championship leader Jack Kennedy moved within two winners of a first seasonal century at Naas today, steering heavily-supported Ndaawi (10/11f) to win the Download The BetVictor App Maiden Hurdle.
Kennedy's previous best total came last term with 77 winners prior to a season-ending leg fracture at today's venue on January 8, and today maintained an excellent recent run with success on easy winner Ndaawi, moving him 15 clear (98-83) of Paul Townend in the championship.
Ndaawi, which led from halfway and won eased-down from stablemate Barrier was later cut by Paddy Power to 8/1 (from 12/1) for the Boodles Hurdle at Cheltenham, in a non-runner money-back special.
Following the race winning trainer Gordon Elliott reported “it was a good performance and he jumped well. His form was good and we knew he’d improved from the last day. He was entitled to do that.
“He’ll go for the Boodles at Cheltenham.”
Quotes from Alan Magee
