Holding a slender lead of five over reigning champion Paul Townend going into day three of the 2024 Punchestown Festival, Jack Kennedy will be hoping to get back amongst the winners on Thursday afternoon.

The Dingle man, who has set the pace for much of the campaign, extended his advantage to seven after a success at Downpatrick on Friday night but has failed to get on the scoresheet in the opening two days of this year's festival.

Meanwhile, Townend closed the gap with a single winner on both Tuesday and Wednesday. With Blood Destiny Gaelic Warior, Captain Cody and Spindleberry all heading the market in their respective races today, the Cork man will be hopeful of eating into his rivals lead.

Kennedy also has two strong chances this afternoon, with Coko Beach and Teahupoo leading contenders in the La Touche Cup and Stayers Hurdle respectively. It looks imperative that the championship leader gets a winner or two on Thursday, as Townend has a particularly strong book of rides on Friday, while Kennedy also misses the final day of the season through suspension.