Dakota Moirette (noseband) and Jack Kennedy© Photo Healy Racing
Jack Kennedy successfully deputised for Bryan Cooper aboard Dakota Moirette winner of race four at Punchestown, the Festival Hospitality On Sale 3-y-o Maiden Hurdle.
Cooper was stood down for the day after getting unseated from Arkwrisht at the fifth last in race one. The Kerryman was brought for xrays on a leg.
His agent Kevin O'Ryan said: "Bryan took a heavy knock to his lower back, and has gone for xrays."
Dakota Moirette meanwhile, a Gigginstown House Stud-owned Voix Du Nord gelding, tracked the leaders through the race.
He improved to lead three out, he was clear entering the straight, and he stayed on well on the run-in to defeat Icario by three and three parts of a length.
The runner-up has the same connections as the winner and he was partnered by David Mullins. Kennedy had been due to ride that one.
"He ran into a good winner the last day. They went a good gallop today and he stayed well. The ground was a lot better today which suited," reported Kennedy.
Olly Murphy, assistant to winning trainer, Gordon Elliott, commented: "He deserved that after a good run the last day, and we'll try and find a little winners' race for him.
"It probably wasn't the strongest of races, and he might be the type that will be seen to better effect in handicaps rather than conditions races. He handled conditions well and stays."
(AM & EM)
