Kennedy shines again with Sligo double

The rise and rise of Jack Kennedy continues unabated as the 16-year-old completed yet another double when partnering popular local winner Urban Dusk to success in the Ladies Day At Sligo 6th August Handicap Hurdle.

Kennedy has now ridden 14 winners under both codes since his initial success just over seven weeks ago, and the majority of the 25-strong Sligo Racing Club were on hand to give him a raucous welcome back into the winners' enclosure.

Trained close-by on the beach at Strandhill by Mark McNiff, who went on to complete a double of his own with Mr Mulliner in the following Guinness Opportunity Handicap Hurdle, the Golan mare landed a morning price gamble (from 20/1) and was returned at 8/1.

She responded gamely under pressure to head top-weight Captains And Kings on the run-in, going on to score by two lengths. You Can't Catch Me was a further three and three quarter lengths back in third. A return trip to Sligo for their two-day meeting next month is a likely target.

Kennedy, who dominated the pony racing scene before joining the professional ranks in May, was successful earlier on the card aboard the Gordon Elliott-trained Miss Dinamic in the mares' maiden hurdle.

STEWARDS REPORT

The Stewards requested a report from Mark Michael McNiff, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Urban Dusk, winner, as compared with its recent form.

The trainer reported that this was only the mares second start for him, and her run in Down Royal on 19th June was her first run after a break of 4 months, and she obviously improved for this outing. Also, after the Down Royal race, the rider advised him to run the mare on a sharper, stiffer track and she seemed to be suited by todays uphill finish. He added that he used an in-form 7lb claimer to ride the mare today, and a combination of these factors may have brought about any apparent improvement in form.

Having considered the report, the Stewards noted the explanation offered.