TEEN SENSATION JACK Kennedy claimed a surprise win when clinching the Lexus Chase aboard Gordon Elliott’s Outlander at Leopardstown this afternoon.
The 11/1 shot finished strongly to romp home ahead of stablemate Don Poli (12/1) and Willie Mullins’ Djakadam (5/4f).
It was the 100th winner and the first Grade 1 success of 17-year-old Kennedy’s remarkable young career and a welcome relief for Elliott after Willie Mullins had been dominating proceedings again today.
Earlier, Mullins and Walsh teamed up for yet another Grade 1 success as Vroum Vroum Mag (8/15f) prevailed in today’s Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown.
The talented mare jumped comfortably throughout and looked to have plenty in reserve towards the end of the three-mile race but at one point she was under severe pressure from stablemate Shaneshill.
Patrick Mullins’ mount seemed to be kicking on before falling at the last.
Clondaw Warrior, another Mullins resident, pushed Vroum Vroum Mag to the line but the Cheltenham Mares’ Hurdle winner closed out another Grade 1 victory for Walsh and Mullins.
Snow Falcon (5/1) ran home well for third.
Walsh and Mullins have had another successful day at Leopardstown in the Rich Ricci colours having also claimed the At The Races Maiden Hurdle with Montalbano (8/11f).
Jessica Harrington clinched the 14.25 Irish Daily Star Novice Handicap Hurdle with Thirsty Work (6/1), Robbie Power’s ride seeing off the challenge of Tudor City (4/1) and Charlie Stout (13/2).
Meanwhile, Barry Geraghty produced a stunning ride aboard Bleu Et Rouge (6/4f) to snatch victory in the Ballymaloe Foods Beginners Chase despite looking out of the reckoning at the last.
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