Kennedy bags handicap on Nolan's Golan

Sixteen year old Jack Kennedy has made a big impact in his first season race-riding and today got the better of Ruby Walsh in a driving finish to the 'Bet & Watch' Irish Racing Live At Coral.ie Handicap Hurdle Leopardstown today, winning on the Paul Nolan trained Golan Lodge

Kennedy moved Golan Lodge to the front jumping the final fight and the gelding maintained his gallop for a half length win over Walsh's mount Childrens List

Incredibly Kennedy was born the same month Walsh became Champion Jockey for the first time in April 1999 and following today's win, Nolan was quick to praise the teenage rider saying “it was a lovely ride from Jack.

"He was a little bit wide but said there was no real cover as they were spread across the track trying to stay off the rail.

“He was a little keen on his first couple of runs and over three miles you love them to switch off.

“I don't like to give these lads too many instructions as they are very good and Jack looks an exceptional jockey. Fair play to him (Kennedy) and to Gordon Elliott (retained trainer) for giving him the chances.”

Regarding his own yard's recent return to some form, trained Nolan added “we didn't have much firepower over the last few years and hopefully we are starting to get back and we have a nice bunch of horse and some good owners who have stuck by us.

“The last couple of years we weren't competitive and maybe took the foot off the gas a bit but we're putting the effort in now to get back competitive.”

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson