Gordon Elliott went into Punchestown Festival resigned to losing his lengthy battle to win the trainers’ title for a first time against the immoveable force that is Willie Mullins.
He gave it his absolute best shot. What more could he do?
Sweetening the pill somewhat was a surprise Grade 1 success with the 18-1 chance Western Fold in the Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase.
Produced late by champion jockey-elect Jack Kennedy, and with the runner-up Fleur In The Park not enjoying a clear run, Western Fold was able to win by three and a quarter lengths.
Willie Mullins’ Grade 1 Cheltenham Festival winner Kitzbuhel started the 4-5 favourite in this race and led but was sending out distress signals before the home turn and pulled up.
“I’d say we ran him too handy at Cheltenham,” said Elliott of his winner. “We said we’d drop in and see if we could pick up some prize money. We rode him cold today and it was a good performance. Some horses come to the end of their season around now but he has been busier than most and is one of the top five earners this season.
“I’m delighted for Jack. I’ve no chance of winning the championship. It’s great to get a winner and we’re one short of our best season now for Grade 1s so it’s been a great season.”
Kennedy was ecstatic too.
“He was probably a little bit over-priced coming into this race,” the Dingle pilot reflected. “I definitely thought he’d fit in a place anyway. He jumped brilliant and done it very well. He’s been a great horse and come up through the handicaps and just kept improving.
“He’s an unbelievable jumper. He actually wasn’t great over hurdles but fences have really brought out the best in him.
Jack Kennedy is Ireland’s Champion Jockey over jumps for the second time. Just as when he gained his first title in 2024, this race came right down to the final day. The 27 year old had three wins to spare over Co Cork rider Darragh O’Keeffe, the final score 102-99.
Kennedy rode 12 Grade 1 winners during the season at home and abroad, the final one arriving on Western Fold on Tuesday at Punchestown.
A thrilled Kennedy said: “It’s every jockey’s dream to be crowned champion jockey, so to win it for the second time is unbelievable. To ride over 100 winners, including big ones on horses such as Brighterdaysahead, Wodhooh, Romeo Coolio and Teahupoo is never lost on me. I have to give huge credit to the support network around me – Gordon, his owners and everyone at Cullentra for the unbelievable opportunities to ride all these wonderful horses along with all the outside trainers and owners who have supported me throughout the season. Special mention to Dr Jennifer Pugh and her medical team along with physiotherapist Gavin Egan and strength and conditioning coach Wayne Middleton from Irish Injured Jockeys. Finally, I have to sincerely thank my family who always have my back and are there through thick and thin.”
Upcoming Fixtures
Gowran Park Tues May 5 (first race 5.07pm)
Wexford NH Thurs May 7 (first race 5.02pm)
Ballinrobe Fri May 8 (first race 5.15pm)
Downpatrick Fri May 8 (first race 5.00pm)
Killarney NH Sat May 10 (first race 1.22pm)
Naas Sat May 9 (first race 1.33pm)
Leopardstown Sun May 10 (first race 1.15pm)
Cork NH Sun May 9 (first race 2.05pm)
