Kennedy heroics gets Robin home in front

Jack Kennedy put himself well and truly in the frame for ride of the year when making a miraculous recovery aboard Robin Des Mana before going on to land the Clonmel Racecourse Supporters Club Only 90 Euros Beginners Chase.

The main drama occurred just before halfway at the final fence with a circuit to run where the Gordon Elliott-trained gelding was in front when making a mistake that looked sure to unseat Kennedy.

However the talented teenager hung on for dear life and wrestled himself back into the saddle after about 100 yards.

The 7/2 chance was soon back in the lead, and later got the better of Kiera Royale on the run-in by half a length. Blue Empyrean was a further four and a half lengths away in third.

Absolutely unbelievable! @jackkennedy15 @ClonmelR pic.twitter.com/lCuA0YXAac

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) December 7, 2017

Kennedy typically deflected any credit saying, “I got in underneath it and he hit me in the arse and shot me out of the saddle. It was a little bit embarrassing that I got thrown out of the saddle so I said I’d better try my best to stay on.

“I was turned backwards but he stayed straight so that was a big help.

“He’s been a consistent horse and it’s nice for him to get that. I would hate to have been the one to ruin it. He was idling in front (in the straight) and when the other horse came to him he pulled out again.”

The 11/10 favourite Monbeg Chit Chat dropped out tamely after three out and was pulled up, while the well-backed 7/2 shot West Bridge was making no headway in third when blundering at the final fence.