LAST UPDATE | 3 Feb 2020
IT HAS BEEN confirmed this evening that jockey Jack Kennedy will miss next month’s Cheltenham festival after undergoing surgery on his leg this morning.
On a day of hugely contrasting fortunes for Kennedy, he suffered the injury yesterday at Leopardstown in the race after he had claimed Irish Gold Cup glory.
Kennedy steered Delta Work to a hard-earned success for trainer Gordon Elliott in the feature race of the second day at the Dublin Racing Festival.
But then the luckless Kerry native was unseated on board Dallas Des Pictons at the fourth fence in the next race which was a Grade A Handicap Chase.
The IHRB confirmed the nature of Kennedy’s injury last night and then in another update this evening it was revealed that he will be absent for the glamour meeting in the Cotswolds in March.
Further update from Dr. Jennifer Pugh with the consent of Jack Kennedy
— IHRB (@ihrb_ie) February 3, 2020
“Jack has had surgery on his leg this morning & thankfully that went well. Unfortunately at this stage the timing will mean Jack will miss Cheltenham. Hopefully he should get home from hospital tomorrow.” pic.twitter.com/ASAMC73jjb
Further update from @ihrb_ie Senior Medical Officer Dr. Jennifer Pugh, with the consent of Jack Kennedy.
— IHRB (@ihrb_ie) February 2, 2020
"Unfortunately, Jack's injury from @LeopardstownRC today has been confirmed as a fracture of his right femur. He is expected to undergo surgery tomorrow." pic.twitter.com/NdP06yEug3
It’s a massive setback for Kennedy. The success on Delta Work had continued an impressive run for him after he had also been on board for the Savills Chase victory at Leopardstown at Christmas.
Kennedy had previously endured injury travails this season when breaking his collarbone in October and missing out for a spell of six weeks.
Delta Work wins the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup. #rteracing #DublinRacingFestival pic.twitter.com/0m2pIbcZYz
— RTÉ Racing (@RTEracing) February 2, 2020
