Jimmy Jimmy jumps the last behind Minella Escape who departs© Photo Healy Racing
Jimmy Jimmy survived carnage in the 'lucky last' in Punchestown - the extended two and a half mile maiden hurdle.
He was passed on the run to the final flight by Minella Escape and looked to be in trouble but definitely showed signs of rallying when he came to jump it just behind the leader.
Minella Escape got it all wrong and took a crashing fall and hampered Jimmy Jimmy who almost came to a standstill.
Jack Kennedy got the revs back up on his charge, though, and they were far enough clear of Legacy Thor to go on and win the race.
The winner prevailed at 2/1 by three and a half lengths from Legacy Thor (11/2). There was a 16-length gap back to Gladiatorial in third at 22/1.
Thankfully, Rachael Blackmore walked away from the fall on the 4/5 favourite which plunged her face first into the turf.
“We were probably a fortunate winner,” said Gordon Elliott.
“Jack said he was coming back though and that he wasn't beaten. I thought if the leader had winged it he might have been hard to get past.
“I'd say Rachael's horse was idling, we needed a good jump and for her to have a bad jump. It's not a nice way to have a winner but we've been on the other side too.
“He's a grand honest horse, he gallops and he jumps. We'll try and find a winners race for him.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
